10 Great Places To Explore in Columbia
Check out our INSIDER GUIDE to 10 Places You Can Explore on your own in Columbia!
A town founded by a evangelist and entrepreneur John Wright has once again emerged as a hot spot for small businesses to thrive, visitors to enjoy, and for an unforgettable experience in a historic rivertown.
Once positioned for the new location of the Nation’s capital, only to fall one-vote-short, it yet remains a place where slaves once found freedom and hiding places, where the confederates were turned back by a burning bridge, where famous gangsters hid their whiskey… and where more stories made headlines.
Columbia, Pennsylvania, was settled in 1726 by entrepreneur and evangelist John Wright, who established Wright’s Ferry along the Susquehanna River. Wright, an English Quaker, was instrumental in the development of river transport, which helped the settlement grow as a key transportation hub in colonial America. The ferry he established enabled easy crossing of the river, a crucial development for trade and travel in the region.
In the early years of the United States, Columbia was a thriving town with a significant role in the country’s history. In 1790, it came close to becoming the nation’s capital, falling short by just one vote in a fierce battle between rival cities. Despite missing that distinction, Columbia continued to play an influential role in the nation’s development.
One of the most pivotal moments in Columbia’s history occurred during the Civil War.
In 1863, just before the Battle of Gettysburg, the town witnessed the burning of its iconic covered bridge by Union forces. The destruction was intended to prevent Confederate forces from crossing the Susquehanna River and flanking the Union Army, showcasing Columbia’s strategic importance during the war. Just a few days later, those same confederate soldiers wandered into the Gettysburg, sparking the battle that changed a nation. Had the bridge not burned, they would have likely been in Philadelphia or Harrisburg.
The town had a significant connection to the Underground Railroad, with many local residents, including prominent abolitionists like Stephen Smith, assisting enslaved people escaping to freedom thru false bottom rail cars, secret rooms, and a complex network of conductors. The town’s proximity to the Mason-Dixon Line made it an ideal location for those fleeing the South.
As industrialization took hold in the late 19th century, Columbia’s economy grew rapidly. The construction of railroads and the rise of manufacturing transformed the town, bringing in factories and workers. Columbia became a center for iron production, particularly in the manufacture of railroad cars, and saw significant growth in population and infrastructure, solidifying its place in the industrial history of Pennsylvania.
Our town borders the waters of the Susquehanna River. Enjoy biking and hiking trails and time by the water.
Our downtown area has restaurants, breweries, antique shops, boutiques and historic buildings to explore.
Established in 1726, our town has a rich history that’s still alive today. Learn about our roots and take a historic walking tour.
5 Bedrooms with Queen Beds + A Secret Room!
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Check out our INSIDER GUIDE to 10 Places You Can Explore on your own in Columbia!