Why is it called America and not Columbia?

Have you ever wondered why the continents of North and South America were named after Amerigo Vespucci instead of Christopher Columbus? In this article, we will explore the history behind how America got its name and why it is not called Columbia.

The Naming of America

The continents of North and South America were named after Amerigo Vespucci, an Italian explorer who wrote a series of letters detailing his voyages to the New World. In these letters, Vespucci referred to the landmass as the "Mundus Novus," or New World. When the letters were published in Europe, they caught the attention of German cartographer Martin Waldseemüller, who created a map of the New World in 1507 and named it "America" in honor of Vespucci.

Why not Columbia?

While the colonies may have been initially called Columbia, the name America eventually stuck due to the widespread influence of Waldseemüller's map. Additionally, the name "America" has a certain poetic ring to it, evoking a sense of discovery and adventure. The name Columbia, on the other hand, may have seemed too closely tied to Christopher Columbus, who, while a well-known explorer, did not have the same connection to the New World as Vespucci.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the reason why the continents of North and South America are named after Amerigo Vespucci and not Christopher Columbus is due to the influence of Martin Waldseemüller's map and the poetic appeal of the name "America." While the name Columbia may have been considered at one point, it ultimately did not have the same lasting impact as America. Amerigo Vespucci's letters and Martin Waldseemüller's map played a crucial role in shaping the naming of the New World, leaving us with the continents we know today as North and South America.