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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
• www.LancasterHistory.org 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
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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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Documents

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/5b733638-9821-4b1c-a9ec-144613936929
Collection
Bridge Records
Title
Bridge Records
Object ID
Bridge F0915 I001
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
1820
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives West
Storage Container
Box 0013
Subcategory
Documentary Artifact
Search Terms
Specifications
Plans
Drawings
Bridges
Contracts
Cocalico Creek
Creeks
Place
none
Object Name
Documents
Language
English
Condition
Fair
Object ID
Bridge F0915 I001
Box Number
013
Additional Notes
Document types: Specifications, plan, and drawing for bridge construction
Contract for bridge construction.
4 items, 6 pieces
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Request at Reference Desk; photocopy made by staff member.
Classification
RG 02-00 0324
Description Level
Item
Less detail

Specification

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/bacdcb67-3bc0-4f43-8dbd-323030725500
Collection
Bridge Records
Title
Bridge Records
Object ID
Bridge F0435 I006
Date Range
1825
More detail
Collection
Bridge Records
Title
Bridge Records
Date Range
1825
Year
1825
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives West
Storage Container
Box 0006
Subcategory
Documentary Artifact
Search Terms
Bridges
Conestoga Creek
Contracts
Creeks
Fords
Hostetter's Ford
Lampeter Twp.
Lancaster Twp.
Specifications
Place
Lampeter Twp. and Lancaster Twp.
Object Name
Specification
Language
English
Condition
Fair
Object ID
Bridge F0435 I006
Box Number
006
Additional Notes
[Lampeter Twp. and Lancaster Twp.]
[1825]
Location: Near Hostetter's Fording.
Document type: Specifications and contract for bridge construction.
1 item, 1 piece
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Request at Reference Desk; photocopy made by staff member.
Classification
RG 02-00 0324
Description Level
Item
Less detail

Specification

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/a6ceeb4e-7b78-40bf-afd4-278841835677
Collection
Bridge Records
Title
Specifications and contract for bridge repair
Object ID
Bridge F0445 I006
Date Range
1822
More detail
Collection
Bridge Records
Title
Specifications and contract for bridge repair
Description
[Lampeter Twp. and Manheim Twp.]
Location: Over Conestoga Creek.
Document type: Specifications and contract for bridge repair.
System of Arrangement
Records are arranged by township, then chronologically within each township.
Date Range
1822
Year
1822
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives West
Storage Container
Box 0007
Subcategory
Documentary Artifact
Search Terms
Binkley's Bridge
Lampeter Twp.
Manheim Twp.
Creeks
Conestoga Creek
Specifications
Contracts
Bridges
Place
Lampeter Twp. and Manheim Twp.
Extent
1 item, 2 pieces
Object Name
Specification
Language
English
Condition
Fair
Object ID
Bridge F0445 I006
Box Number
007
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Request at Reference Desk; photocopy made by staff member.
Classification
RG 02-00 0324
Description Level
Item
Less detail

Specification

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/b0523ecd-85a0-4ef7-bb6f-894497572623
Collection
Bridge Records
Title
Bridge Records
Object ID
Bridge F0475 I003
Date Range
1868
More detail
Collection
Bridge Records
Title
Bridge Records
Date Range
1868
Year
1868
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives West
Storage Container
Box 0007
Subcategory
Documentary Artifact
Search Terms
Bridges
Contracts
Creeks
Lancaster Twp.
Little Conestoga Creek
Manor Twp.
Mills
Specifications
Stoneroad's Mill
Place
Lancaster Twp. and Manor Twp.
Object Name
Specification
Language
English
Condition
Fair
Object ID
Bridge F0475 I003
Box Number
007
Additional Notes
Location: Near Stoneroad's Mill.
Document type: Specifications and contract for bridge construction.
1 item, 1 piece
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Request at Reference Desk; photocopy made by staff member.
Classification
RG 02-00 0324
Description Level
Item
Less detail

Specification

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/b11cdc14-c55a-4ed8-9680-062490303030
Collection
Bridge Records
Title
Bridge Records
Object ID
Bridge F0485 I005
Date Range
1867
More detail
Collection
Bridge Records
Title
Bridge Records
Date Range
1867
Year
1867
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives West
Storage Container
Box 0007
Subcategory
Documentary Artifact
Search Terms
Bridges
Conestoga Creek
Contracts
Creeks
Factories
Lancaster Twp.
Specifications
West Lampeter Twp.
Place
Lancaster Twp. and West Lampeter Twp.
Object Name
Specification
Language
English
Condition
Fair
Object ID
Bridge F0485 I005
Box Number
007
Additional Notes
[Lancaster Twp. and West Lampeter Twp.]
Location: Near the old factory.
Document type: Specifications and contract for bridge construction.
1 item, 1 piece
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Request at Reference Desk; photocopy made by staff member.
Classification
RG 02-00 0324
Description Level
Item
Less detail

Documents

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/b5cdde56-8558-422d-8991-937337758831
Collection
Bridge Records
Title
Bridge Records
Object ID
Bridge F0500 I007
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
1866
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives West
Storage Container
Box 0007
Subcategory
Documentary Artifact
Search Terms
Creeks
Pequea Creek
Leacock Twp.
Paradise Twp.
Intercourse, Leacock Twp.
Specifications
Contracts
Bridges
Place
Leacock Twp. and Paradise Twp.
Object Name
Documents
Language
English
Condition
Fair
Object ID
Bridge F0500 I007
Box Number
007
Additional Notes
Location: On the highway from Paradise Twp. to Intercourse, Leacock Twp.
Document type: Specifications and contract for bridge construction.
1 item, 1 piece
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Request at Reference Desk; photocopy made by staff member.
Classification
RG 02-00 0324
Description Level
Item
Less detail

Specification

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/8c017581-ab61-47dd-8da6-464590261920
Collection
Bridge Records
Title
Bridge Records
Object ID
Bridge F0570 I005
Date Range
1867
More detail
Collection
Bridge Records
Title
Bridge Records
Date Range
1867
Year
1867
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives West
Storage Container
Box 0009
Subcategory
Documentary Artifact
Search Terms
Bridges
Conestoga Creek
Contracts
Creeks
Manheim Twp.
Miller and Nolt's Point Mill
Mills
Specifications
Upper Leacock Twp.
Place
Manheim Twp. and Upper Leacock Twp.
Object Name
Specification
Language
English
Condition
Fair
Object ID
Bridge F0570 I005
Box Number
009
Additional Notes
Manheim Twp. and [Upper Leacock Twp.]
Location: Near Miller and Nolt's Mill.
Document type: Specifications and contract for bridge construction.
1 item, 1 piece
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Request at Reference Desk; photocopy made by staff member.
Classification
RG 02-00 0324
Description Level
Item
Less detail

Contract

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/b34623a2-66b2-4f9a-9c66-837488476080
Collection
Bridge Records
Title
Bridge Records
Object ID
Bridge F0600 I004
Date Range
1860
More detail
Collection
Bridge Records
Title
Bridge Records
Date Range
1860
Year
1860
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives West
Storage Container
Box 0009
Subcategory
Documentary Artifact
Search Terms
Bridges
Contracts
Creeks
Harnish's Mill
Martic Twp.
Mills
Pequea Creek
Pequea Twp.
Sawmills
Place
Martic Twp. and Pequea Twp.
Object Name
Contract
Language
English
Condition
Fair
Object ID
Bridge F0600 I004
Box Number
009
Additional Notes
Location: Near Harnish's Mill.
Document type: Contract for bridge construction.
1 item, 1 piece
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Request at Reference Desk; photocopy made by staff member.
Classification
RG 02-00 0324
Description Level
Item
Less detail

Specification

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/2dfbdd75-565a-4be7-a0f3-126252058252
Collection
Bridge Records
Title
Bridge Records
Object ID
Bridge F0690 I003
Date Range
1824
More detail
Collection
Bridge Records
Title
Bridge Records
Date Range
1824
Year
1824
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives West
Storage Container
Box 0010
Subcategory
Documentary Artifact
Search Terms
Bridges
Chickies Creek
Chiques Creek
Contracts
Creeks
Drawings
Hostetter's Mill
Lancaster
Manheim Twp.
Manheim, Rapho Twp.
Mills
Rapho Twp.
Specifications
Tail Run
Warwick Twp.
Place
Rapho Twp. and Warwick Twp.
Object Name
Specification
Language
English
Condition
Fair
Object ID
Bridge F0690 I003
Box Number
010
Additional Notes
[Rapho Twp. and Warwick Twp.]
1. Location: On Road from Manheim, Rapho Twp., to Lancaster City.
Second bridge: Bridge over Tail Run.
2. Location: Near Hostetter's Mill in Manheim Twp.
Document types: Specifications and contract for bridge construction.
Drawing of bridge.
2 items, 2 pieces
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Request at Reference Desk; photocopy made by staff member.
Classification
RG 02-00 0324
Description Level
Item
Less detail

14 records – page 1 of 2.