Columbus Day Poem – IN 1492, Columbus Sailed The Ocean Blue
Columbus Day is coming up in the United States on October 13th. It celebrates when Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas on October 12th, 1492.
Here is the most popular Columbus Day poem in the US. It’s used to help teach the history of Columbus.
IN 1492
In fourteen hundred ninety-two
Columbus sailed the ocean blue.He had three ships and left from Spain;
He sailed through sunshine, wind and rain.He sailed by night; he sailed by day;
He used the stars to find his way.A compass also helped him know
How to find the way to go.Ninety sailors were on board;
Some men worked while others snored.Then the workers went to sleep;
And others watched the ocean deep.Day after day they looked for land;
They dreamed of trees and rocks and sand.October 12 their dream came true,
You never saw a happier crew!“Indians! Indians!” Columbus cried;
His heart was filled with joyful pride.But “India” the land was not;
It was the Bahamas, and it was hot.The Arakawa natives were very nice;
They gave the sailors food and spice.Columbus sailed on to find some gold
To bring back home, as he’d been told.He made the trip again and again,
Trading gold to bring to Spain.The first American? No, not quite.
But Columbus was brave, and he was bright.
If you would like to share any Columbus Day songs or poems, please feel free to post them in the comments below!
Many thanks to Monique at Mama Lisa’s World en français for sending me this poem.
-Mama Lisa
October 24th, 2008 at 11:13 am
Deborah wrote me asking…
I’m not familiar with a tune for this poem. Is anyone else?
Mama Lisa
October 24th, 2008 at 11:19 am
I found this – some of the lyrics are different and the volume is low – but it may inspire someone…
June 15th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
Does anyone know who wrote that poem? I’m mentioning it in a paper I’m writing, so the author’s name is important.
September 14th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
I, too, would like a citation as I have used this phrase in a paper I wrote and it is part of my thesis statement. I did not realize it would be so time consuming to find the author!
Paula Lovell
September 29th, 2009 at 8:25 pm
For Spain! -clap clap- To Gain! -clap clap- Ah, it’s so catchy.
October 6th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
Yes, I remember a tune from when I was in second grade. I still remember the tune, and it fits these words. Thanks for the poem.
October 12th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
In fourteen hundred ninety two
Columbus sailed the ocean blue
He sailed through sunshine, wind and rain
to get to India from Spain
He hit Bahama, he was pissed
His chance at fame and glory missed
He took it out on the local folk
He stole their gold, and they were broke.
He killed their kids and let them know
Their lives would now be full of woe.
We honor him, I don’t know why,
May his soul in hell forever fry.
October 26th, 2009 at 9:15 pm
It is a fun way to learn.
October 29th, 2009 at 9:37 pm
rofl i agree with Richards poem. in 1492, columbus sailed the ocean blue in 1493 columbus stole all he could see
November 17th, 2009 at 10:15 am
In 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue.
He was a great fantastic man.
He sailed from Spain and he had a plan.
He was carried in by the tide with horses and beads by his side.
He was a hero when he came home everyone loved him even in Rome.
The Queen and King gave him money for boats and he set to sail with a really big coat.
He had a big coat because it was col and then he brought back lots of gold.
He brought back slaves that helped him out they didnt whine or even pout.
He was a great man without a doubt he caused happiness to the world through out….. by emma an liz! (7th graders)
November 17th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
That’s neat Emma and Liz!
In the line…
“He had a big coat because it was col and then he brought back lots of gold.”
Did you mean it was “cold” or “cool”?
Thanks!
Mama Lisa
November 18th, 2009 at 6:55 pm
Who is the author of this poem? I’d like to quote it in my theory paper, and need the author for proper citation.
Thanks!
November 18th, 2009 at 7:05 pm
We’re still looking for the author of the song – perhaps unknown!
The first part of the poem is listed as a traditional rhyme in 99 jumpstarts for kids’ social studies reports: research help for grades 3-8 By Peggy J. Whitley, Susan Williams Goodwin…
In fourteen hundred ninety-two
Columbus sailed the ocean blue.
He had three ships and left from Spain;
He sailed through sunshine, wind and rain.
He sailed by night; he sailed by day;
He used the stars to find his way.
Can anyone else help out here? Meanwhile, I’ll keep looking, and if you find out anything, please let us know.
Thanks!
Mama Lisa
PS It’s possible Jean Marzollo expanded on the traditional rhyme in her book In 1492 published in 1948.
November 18th, 2009 at 7:15 pm
I found reference to this verse going back to the 19th century…
In fourteen hundred ninety-two
Columbus crossed the ocean blue.
And found a wild and desert shore
Where never a ship had sailed before.
From The current, Issues 29-54 (1884)
November 18th, 2009 at 7:42 pm
Okay, thanks for your help. :]