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Archive

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/2233eaab-6463-43c0-b788-149756332089
Collection
Columbia Bridge Company Collection
Title
Columbia Bridge Company Collection
Object ID
MG0217
Date Range
1809-1843
from 1809 to 1813. Folder 3 Minutes of Bridge Co., 28 December 1811. This was their first meeting to ascertain the exact width of the river, "To Draw up Rules And Regulations..." to advertise in newspapers, etc. 1811. Folder 4 Authorized appointments of representatives to vote for the undersigned
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  1 document  
Collection
Columbia Bridge Company Collection
Title
Columbia Bridge Company Collection
Description
The Columbia Bridge Company Collection is a valuable source of information concerning construction of bridges in the early 1800s. Documents concern the building of the first two bridges across the Susquehanna River in 1814 and 1832. Items in the collection include minutes, form for stock certificate, invoices, legal papers, proposals, receipts, stockholders, promissory notes, by-laws, settlement of stage tolls with Samuel Slaymaker 1813, salary receipts, circulars and announcements, bridge tolls, orders for payment, correspondence, and a stock certificate from 1842
Admin/Biographical History
First Bridge
Construction of the first Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge was begun in 1812 and completed December 5, 1814, by J. Wolcott, H. Slaymaker, S. Slaymaker at a total cost of $231,771, which was underwritten by the newly formed Columbia Bank and Bridge Company. The bridge was 5,690 feet (1,730 m) long and 30 feet (9.1 m) wide and had 54 piers and twin carriageways. Constructed of wood and stone, the covered bridge also included a wooden roof, a whitewashed interior and openings in its wooden sides to view the river and surrounding areas. It was considered the longest covered bridge in the world at the time. The bridge accommodated east-west traffic across the Susquehanna River for 14 years before being destroyed by ice, high water and severe weather on February 5, 1832.
Second bridge
Construction of the second Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge, also covered, started mid-1832 and was completed in 1834 (opening on July 8, 1834) by James Moore and John Evans at a cost of $157,300. It was 5,620 feet (1,710 m) long and 28 feet (8.5 m) wide and also enjoyed the distinction of being the world's longest covered bridge. The wood and stone structure had 27 piers, a carriageway, walkway, and two towpaths to guide canal traffic across the river. Much of the mostly oak timber used in its construction was salvaged from the previous bridge. Its roof was covered with shingles, its sides with weatherboard, and its interior was whitewashed. The structure was modified in 1840 by the Canal Company at a cost of $40,000 concurrent with the construction of the Wrightsville Dam. Towpaths of different levels and with sidewalls were added to prevent horses from falling into river, as happened several times when the river flooded. The roof of the lower path formed the floor of upper path. In this way, canal boats were towed across the river from the Pennsylvania Canal on the Columbia side to the Susquehanna and Tidewater Canal at Wrightsville. Sometime after 1846, a double-track railway was added, linking the Philadelphia and Columbia Railroad to the Northern Central Railway. Due to fear of fire caused by locomotives, rail cars were pulled across the bridge by teams of mules or horses.
Information from "Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge," https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbia%E2%80%93Wrightsville_Bridge. Accessed 3 February 2020.
System of Arrangement
The papers of the First Columbia Bridge built in 1814 are filed in folders #1 to 157. The papers of the Second Columbia Bridge built in 1832 are filed in folders #158 to 181.
Date Range
1809-1843
Year Range From
1809
Year Range To
1843
Date of Accumulation
1809-1843
Creator
Goodell, Robert Hilliard, 1899-1992.
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 05
People
Albright, William
Chew, Benjamin
Coleman, Robert
Dickson, William
Gilpin, Joshua
Gilpin, Thomas
Grimler, Benjamin
Haldeman, C.
Hamilton, William
Harbaugh, Leonard
Hoff, John
Hopkins, James
Hubley, John
Hubley, Joseph
Lloyd, Evan
Mifflin, Joseph
Poulson, Zachariah
Reynolds, John
Rittenhouse, Joseph
Shaffner, Casper
Slaymaker, Henry
Slaymaker, Samuel
Varle, Charles
Wilson, Edward
Wilson, Thomas A.
Witmer, A.
Wright, William
Wolcott, John
Subjects
Bridges
Business records
Columbia (Pa.)
Letters
Minutes (Records)
Stockholders
Stocks
Susquehanna River
Search Terms
Advertising
Applications
Board of Directors
Bonds
Bridges
Broadsides
Business records
By-laws
Checks
Columbia
Columbia Bridge Company
Construction
Contracts
Correspondence
Farmers Bank of Lancaster
Financial records
Finding aids
Gatekeepers
Invoices
Letters
Loans
Manuscript groups
Minutes
Murray Draper and Company
Promissory notes
Receipts
Reports
Salaries
Stockholders
Stocks
Susquehanna River
Taxes
Tollhouses
Tolls
Extent
5 boxes, 190 folders, 3 cubic ft.
Object Name
Archive
Language
English
Object ID
MG0217
Location of Originals
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Notes
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Collection Title (MG#), Folder #, (or Object ID), LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. URL if applicable. Date accessed (day, month, year).
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. The original items in Folder 69 may not be used due to their fragile condition. All other original documents may be used by researchers--contact Research@LancasterHistory.org prior to visit or request at Reference Desk.
Copyright
Collection may be photographed. Images have been provided for research purposes only. Please contact Research@LancasterHistory.org with questions or for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Other Numbers
MG-217
Classification
MG0217
Description Level
Fonds
Custodial History
Added to database 13 January 2022.
Documents
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Finding Aid

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Petition

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/82d1abbf-1e98-4236-ab93-625089151273
Collection
Bridge Records
Title
Bridge Records
Object ID
Bridge F0230 I001
Date Range
1819/08
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Collection
Bridge Records
Title
Bridge Records
Date Range
1819/08
Year
1819
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives West
Storage Container
Box 0003
Subcategory
Documentary Artifact
Search Terms
Creeks
Cocalico Creek
Earl Twp.
Warwick Twp.
Lancaster
Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania
Petitions
Orders
Reports
Bridges
Place
Earl Twp. and Warwick Twp.
Object Name
Petition
Language
English
Condition
Fair
Object ID
Bridge F0230 I001
Box Number
003
Additional Notes
Court term: August 1819.
Location: On main road from Lancaster to Reading, Berks County.
Document types: Petition for appointment of viewers.
Order and report of viewers.
2 items, 2 pieces
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Request at Reference Desk; photocopy made by staff member.
Classification
RG 02-00 0324
Description Level
Item
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Documents

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/c8dfad0a-6479-48dd-8ccd-284125434777
Collection
Bridge Records
Title
Bridge Records
Object ID
Bridge F0190 I003
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Collection
Bridge Records
Title
Bridge Records
Description
Papers filed for construction and repair of bridges. The types of petitions presented to the Court of Quarter Sessions include: petitions for bridge construction and repair, petitions for inspections, and petitions for bridge funds. Other types of items include: specifications, proposals, and contracts for bridge construction and repair; bridge blueprints and plans; correspondence; bills for materials; and bridge condition reports. Many papers show date; court term and case number; names of petitioners, viewers, inspectors, and contractors; costs and fees; location of bridge; and name or number of bridge. The order and report of viewers documents are of particular interest as they usually include a copy of the original petition; the order and names of viewers to inspect the site; the public announcement for the viewers meeting; the report and recommendation of viewers, often with a drawing of the site and surrounding area; and the court decision.
System of Arrangement
Records are arranged by township, then chronologically within each township.
Year
1817
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives West
Storage Container
Box 0003
Subcategory
Documentary Artifact
Search Terms
Creeks
Conewago Creek
Conoy Twp.
Dauphin County, Pennsylvania
Marietta
Middletown, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania
Susquehanna River
Rivers
Orders
Reports
Bridges
Place
Donegal Twp. and Dauphin County
Object Name
Documents
Language
English
Condition
Fair
Object ID
Bridge F0190 I003
Box Number
003
Additional Notes
[Donegal Twp.] and Dauphin County
Court term: January 1817.
Location: At mouth of creek, on public road from Marietta to Middletown, Dauphin County at confluence with Susquehanna River.
Document type: Order and report of viewers.
2 items, 2 pieces
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Request at Reference Desk; photocopy made by staff member.
Classification
RG 02-00 0324
Description Level
Item
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Specification

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/0bf2d790-ce1f-455f-9bae-377268244240
Collection
Thaddeus Stevens Collection
Title
Bridge specifications
Object ID
MG0115_P01_F007_In02
Date Range
1812/09
More detail
  1 document  
Collection
Thaddeus Stevens Collection
Title
Bridge specifications
Description
Draft of articles of agreement for the construction of a bridge over the Susquehanna River at Harrisburg, with specifications.
Date Range
1812/09
Creation Date
September 1812
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 03
Subjects
Bridges
Specifications
Susquehanna River
Search Terms
Bridges
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Maclay's Island
Specifications
Stevens and Smith Center
Susquehanna River
Extent
1 item, 2 pages to scan
Object Name
Specification
Language
English
Object ID
MG0115_P01_F007_In02
Location of Originals
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Related Item Notes
Thaddeus Stevens Collection (MG0115_P01) https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/fc4d62c6-ef85-4f0f-bfb8-361140325885
Notes
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Thaddeus Stevens Collection (MG0115), Part 1, Folder # or Object ID, LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. URL if applicable. Date accessed (day, month, year).
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment. Please contact Research@LancasterHistory.org prior to visit.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only. Please contact Research@LancasterHistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Other Numbers
MG-115
Other Number
MG-115, Part 1, Folder 7, Insert 1
Classification
MG0115
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Added to database 25 April 2022.
Digitization of this document was funded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, PHMC Appl ID # 202010016624, 2020-2023.
Documents
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MG0115_P01_F007_In02.pdf

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Print, Photographic

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/053ab229-cecc-4d2f-ba93-017862817670
Collection
General Collection
Title
Columbia Bridge from Wrightsville.
Object ID
1-03-02-91
Date Range
May 1941
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  1 image  
Object Name
Print, Photographic
Collection
General Collection
Title
Columbia Bridge from Wrightsville.
Description
Columbia Bridge from Wrightsville.
Date Range
May 1941
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Subcategory
Documentary Artifact
Search Terms
Bridges
Columbia - Wrightsville Bridge
Susquehanna River
York County, Pennsylvania
Place
York County, Pennsylvania
Object Name
Print, Photographic
Print Size
4.5 x 3 inches
Object ID
1-03-02-91
Images
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A description of the chain bridge : invented by Judge Finley of Fayette County Pennsylvania with data and remarks illustrative of the power, cost, durability, and comparative superiority of this mode of bridging

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/lhdo21216
Author
Finley, James.
Date of Publication
1811.
Call Number
Book 461 1811c
More detail
Author
Finley, James.
Place of Publication
UnionTown [Pa.]
Publisher
By William Campbell,
Date of Publication
1811.
Physical Description
13 pages : illustrations ; 23 cm
Notes
Jasper Yeates's Colonial Law Library.
Yeates's signature at top of title page.
Book 461 as assigned by Yeates.
Bound with Oration on masonry: delivered at St. John's church in the city of Philadelphia, at the request of the right worshipful Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, on St. John's day, June 24, 1811, by James Milnor. Philadelphia: J. Maxwell, 1811 -- Proposals, by Farrand and Nichholas for publishing by subscription ...The American Review of history and politics. Place not identified: publisher not identified, 1810 -- Proposals for publishing by subscription, a translation from the French, of. LeSages's historical genealogial chronological and geographical atlas. Philadelphia: Jane Aiken, 1819 -- A description of the chain bridge; invented by Judge Finley, of Fayette County Pennsylvania...Uniontown, Pa: William Campbell, 1811 -- The pioneeer, vol. I, no. IV, May 5, 1812 -- The Port folio (new series) by Oliver Oldschool, Esq. Philadelphia, Saturday, March 12, 1808 -- Annual discourse, delivered before the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts on the 13th of November 1810 by Joseph Hopkinson. Philadelphia: published by Bradford and Inskeep; Inseeep and Bradford, New York: and William M'Ilhenry, Boston, Sweeny & M'Kenzie, printers, 1810 -- Reply to Mr. Burke's invective against Mr. Cooper, and Mr. Watt, in the House of Commons on the30th of April, 1792, by Thomas Cooper. London: printed for J. Johnson, in St. Paul's Church Yard; and M Falkner and Co., Manchester, M,DCC,XCII (1792) -- Narrative of the proceedings against Thomas Cooiper, exquire, president judge of the eighth judiciary district of Pennsylvania, on a charge of official misconduct. Lancaster: printed by William Hamilton, 1811; -- [Narrative on the title of West Florida]. Place not identified:published not identified. date not identified -- Observations on the conduct of our executive towards Spain. Place not identified:published not identified. date not identified -- Letters, addressed to the people of Pennsylvania respecting the internal improvement, of the commonwealth; by means of roads and canals by William J. Duane. Philadelphia: printed by Jane Aiken, No 71, North Third Street, 18ll --An address of the members of theHouse of Representatives, of the Congress of the United States, to their consitutents, on the subject of the war with Great Britain. Philadelphia: printed at the office of the United States' Gazette, date not identified; Documents and facts, relative to military events, during the late war by Jno. P. Boyd. Place not identified:published not identified. date not identified-- Darstellung des in Baltimore am 27 und 28sten Julii, 1812, gemachten Angriffs auf die presfreyheit, und das leben der Bertheidiger defelben. Philadelphia: gedruct bey Conrad Zentler, in der Zwenten Stresse, unterhalb der Regs Strasse, 1812 -- Plan of an improved system of the money-concerns of the Union by Erick Bollman, M.D. Philadelphia: printed for the auther. Wiliam Fry, printer, Walnut, near Fifth Street, 1816; Articles of the Farmer's Bank of Lancaster. Place not idenifiied: Printed by Hugh Hamilton, date not identified.
Evans,
Rink, E. Technical Americana,
Subjects
Bridges
Three-quarters leather on marbled boards (Binding)
Additional Author
Yeates, Jasper,
Location
Lancaster History Library - Yeates Collection
Call Number
Book 461 1811c
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Order, Work

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/d94bad84-3dcd-467d-9181-114830872178
Collection
Bridge Records
Title
Bridge Records
Object ID
Bridge F0465 I001
Date Range
1816/01
More detail
Collection
Bridge Records
Title
Bridge Records
Date Range
1816/01
Year
1816
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives West
Storage Container
Box 0007
People
Andrews, Alexander
Subcategory
Documentary Artifact
Search Terms
Bridges
Chester County, Pennsylvania
Creeks
Inspections
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
Octoraro Creek
Orders
Place
Lancaster County and Chester County
Object Name
Order, Work
Language
English
Condition
Fair
Object ID
Bridge F0465 I001
Box Number
007
Additional Notes
January 1816.
Location: At Alexander Andrews'.
Document type: Order for inspection.
1 item, 1 piece
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Request at Reference Desk; photocopy made by staff member.
Classification
RG 02-00 0324
Description Level
Item
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Report

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/c8c7188f-75ea-411d-8712-819887134134
Collection
Bridge Records
Title
Bridge Records
Object ID
Bridge F0465 I002
Date Range
1816/08
More detail
Collection
Bridge Records
Title
Bridge Records
Date Range
1816/08
Year
1816
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives West
Storage Container
Box 0007
People
Andrews, Alexander
Subcategory
Documentary Artifact
Search Terms
Alexander Andrews' Ford
Andrews Ford
Bridges
Chester County, Pennsylvania
Creeks
Fords
Inspections
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
Octoraro Creek
Reports
Place
Lancaster County and Chester County
Object Name
Report
Language
English
Condition
Fair
Object ID
Bridge F0465 I002
Box Number
007
Additional Notes
August 1816.
Location: At Alexander Andrews' Fording.
Document type: Inspection report.
1 item, 1 piece
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Request at Reference Desk; photocopy made by staff member.
Classification
RG 02-00 0324
Description Level
Item
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Documents

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/6358781a-7b69-4941-a550-771316151473
Collection
Bridge Records
Title
Bridge Records
Object ID
Bridge F0060 I004
More detail
Collection
Bridge Records
Title
Bridge Records
Description
Papers filed for construction and repair of bridges. The types of petitions presented to the Court of Quarter Sessions include: petitions for bridge construction and repair, petitions for inspections, and petitions for bridge funds. Other types of items include: specifications, proposals, and contracts for bridge construction and repair; bridge blueprints and plans; correspondence; bills for materials; and bridge condition reports. Many papers show date; court term and case number; names of petitioners, viewers, inspectors, and contractors; costs and fees; location of bridge; and name or number of bridge. The order and report of viewers documents are of particular interest as they usually include a copy of the original petition; the order and names of viewers to inspect the site; the public announcement for the viewers meeting; the report and recommendation of viewers, often with a drawing of the site and surrounding area; and the court decision.
System of Arrangement
Records are arranged by township, then chronologically within each township.
Year
1817
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives West
Storage Container
Box 0001
Subcategory
Documentary Artifact
Search Terms
Creeks
Octoraro Creek, East Branch
Colerain Twp.
Chester County, Pennsylvania
Union, Colerain Twp.
Oxford, Chester County, Pennsylvania
Petitions
Bridges
Place
Colerain Twp. and Chester County
Object Name
Documents
Language
English
Condition
Fair
Object ID
Bridge F0060 I004
Box Number
001
Additional Notes
Court term: April 1817.
Location: On road from Union, Colerain Twp., to Oxford, Chester County.
Document type: Petition for appointment of viewers.
1 item, 1 piece
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Request at Reference Desk; photocopy made by staff member.
Classification
RG 02-00 0324
Description Level
Item
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Documents

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/d8162666-64f5-4b5a-b821-002609469083
Collection
Commissioners' Orders for Payment
Title
Commissioners' order for payment
Object ID
CommOrder 1827 #356
Date Range
1827
More detail
Collection
Commissioners' Orders for Payment
Title
Commissioners' order for payment
Description
This record group contains canceled orders that were issued by the county commissioners for payment to be made by the county treasurer. The orders show date, order number, amount, name of payee, purpose, and signatures of the county commissioners. In the case of "poor children," teachers were reimbursed by the county for tuition and/or the supplies purchased for students whose parents were unable to pay. Orders include: Poor Children, Almshouse, Bridges, Coroners Inquests, Prisons, Roads, Court House, and Tax Exonerations.
System of Arrangement
The record group is organized chronologically, then arranged by order number within each year.
Date Range
1827
Date of Accumulation
1810-1901
Creator
County Commissioners
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Container
Box 0007
People
Witmer, Abraham
Groff, John
Subcategory
Documentary Artifact
Search Terms
Lancaster Twp.
Lampeter Twp.
Bridges
Conestoga River
Commissioners' Orders for Payment
Place
Lancaster Twp.
Extent
70 boxes (35 cubic tabard.)
Object Name
Documents
Language
English
Condition
Fair
Condition Date
2008-03-25
Object ID
CommOrder 1827 #356
Box Number
007
Notes
Entered into Q & A 1994/04/07.
Additional Notes
Bridges.
Lancaster Twp.
Lampeter Twp.
Conestoga River.
Payment obtained against the estate of Abraham Witmer for the purchase of Witmer's Bridge.
Groff, John.
1 item. 1 piece.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Request at research desk. Photocopy made by staff member.
Classification
RG 08-01 0510
Description Level
Item
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10 records – page 1 of 1.