Columbia County, Pennsylvania
Berwick Armory
Bloomsburg Historic District
Bridge in Fishing Creek Township
Catawissa Friends Meetinghouse
Creasyville Covered Bridge
Davis Covered Bridge
Eckman, Sam, Covered Bridge No. 92
Fowlersville Covered Bridge
Furnace Covered Bridge No. 11
Hollingshead Covered Bridge No. 40
Jackson Mansion and Carriage House
Johnson Covered Bridge No. 28
Josiah Hess Covered Bridge No. 122
Jud Christie Covered Bridge No. 95
Kramer Covered Bridge No. 113
Parr's Mill Covered Bridge No. 10
Patterson Covered Bridge No. 112
Riegel Covered Bridge No. 6
Rohrbach Covered Bridge No. 24
Rupert Covered Bridge No. 56
Shoemaker Covered Bridge
Snyder Covered Bridge No. 17
Stillwater Covered Bridge No. 134
Twin Bridges-East Paden Covered Bridge No. 120
Twin Bridges-West Paden Covered Bridge No. 121
Wagner Covered Bridge No. 19
Wanich Covered Bridge No. 69
Y Covered Bridge No. 156
100-106 West Main Street
111 West Main Street
118 East Main Street
128 West Main Street
134-140 East Main Street
142-144 West Main Street
225 Market Street
235 Market Street
246 West Main Street
259 West Main Street
261 West Main Street
317 Market Street
325 Market Street
401 Market Street
419 Market Street
445-447 Market Street
56-64 East Main Street
9/11 Memorial
Berwick Founder, Settlers, and Pioneers
Beth Israel Congregation
Carver Hall
Catawissa Friends Meeting
Columbia County
Columbia County Courthouse
David Jewett Waller
Edith Emaline Orvis
Evan Owen
First Presbyterian Church
Fishing Creek Confederacy
Fort Jenkins
Fort McClure
Fort Wheeler
Gene Harvey
Grand Carousel
Jackson Mansion
Japanese Split Beech
Pursel Store Building
Replica of the Statue of Liberty
Replica of the Statue of Liberty
Saint Paul's Episcopal Church
Stuart Tank
Swimming Hole
The Newest Old Covered Bridge
War Hero Memorial Pinery
War Memorial
Wesley United Methodist Church
World War II Memorial
World War Memorial
Wyoming Path
The county's early history was closely tied to the development of the iron industry. Numerous iron furnaces and forges were established in the area, taking advantage of the county's ample supply of timber, limestone, and iron ore. The iron industry brought prosperity to the region, attracting new settlers and creating jobs. However, by the mid-19th century, the industry began to decline due to changing market demands and the depletion of natural resources.
As the iron industry declined, other industries, such as agriculture and manufacturing, became more prominent in Columbia County. The fertile soil of the area allowed for successful farming, and the county became known for its dairy production. The rise of manufacturing saw the establishment of factories and mills, including textile mills and sawmills, which brought further economic growth to the county.
Columbia County also played a significant role in the Underground Railroad during the mid-19th century. The county's location, along the Susquehanna River and near the border with slave-holding states, made it an important stop for escaped slaves on their journey to freedom. Many abolitionists in the county provided assistance and safe passage to these individuals, contributing to the fight against slavery.
In more recent history, Columbia County has evolved into a diverse community, with a mix of industrial, agricultural, and residential areas. Today, it continues to thrive with its thriving businesses, picturesque landscapes, and rich cultural heritage that showcases the county's vibrant history.
Brief timeline of the history of Columbia County, Pennsylvania:
- 1813 - Columbia County is formed from parts of Northumberland County.
- 1818 - Bloomsburg is established as the County Seat.
- 1824 - The first courthouse is built in Bloomsburg.
- 1841 - The Catawissa Railroad, the first chartered railroad in Pennsylvania, is completed.
- 1861-1865 - Many residents of Columbia County serve in the American Civil War.
- 1881 - The first telephone service is introduced in the county.
- 1892 - The first electric streetcar begins operation in Bloomsburg.
- 1903 - The Catawissa Creek flood causes significant damage in the county.
- 1919 - The Bloomsburg Fair, one of the largest agricultural fairs in Pennsylvania, is first held.
- 1937 - The Columbia County Historical Society is established.
- 1940s-1950s - Many young men from the county serve in World War II and the Korean War.
- 1960s-1970s - Columbia County experiences suburbanization and population growth.
- 2011 - A record-breaking flood hits the region, causing widespread damage.
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Columbia County, Pennsylvania.