There is only one known picture in existence of the original windjammer Columbia. WED researchers used it and other research materials from the Library of Congress. Architect Ray Wallace was commissioned in 1957 to work with Fowler in creating the construction plans.

The ship was constructed at Todd Shipyards in San Pedro, California, where the Mark Twain 's hull was built a few years earlier.

The vessel was transported to Disneyland and placed in the Rivers of America where the rest of the construction was completed. The 110-foot decks were planked with Douglas Fir and an 84-foot tall mainmast was installed.

For the ship’s christening on June 4, 1958, Fowler was dressed as a sailing captain of the 1700's, while the Mousketeers appeared as his crew. Gretchen Richmond, wife of Alfred Carroll Richmond, then Vice Admiral of the US Coast Guard, did the actual christening.

The Union Jack flag is rare inside Disneyland, but it is flying as part of the dock where one boards the Mark Twain and Columbia (Gem of the Ocean) riverboat.

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