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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
-1820, 1822. Folder 55 3 bonds and 3 bond forms. 1814, 1820 Folder 56 Bridge stock accounts of Edward Wilson, William Dickson, and others with the first Bridge Company 1814-1818. Folder 57 Financial papers related to the first bridge including an accounting of stage tolls due by Samuel Slaymaker. 1814
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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/b968b63d-05b6-4aca-86b8-407436896354
Collection
Bridge Records
Title
Bridge Records
Object ID
Bridge F0135 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
1814
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives West
Storage Container
Box 0002
People
Kochenour, Abraham
Subcategory
Documentary Artifact
Search Terms
Creeks
Pequea Creek
Conestoga Twp.
Martic Twp.
Abraham Kochenour's Crossing
Fords
Lancaster
Peach Bottom, Little Britain Twp.
Fulton Twp.
Petitions
Orders
Reports
Bridges
Place
Conestoga Twp. and Martic Twp.
Object Name
Petition
Language
English
Condition
Fair
Object ID
Bridge F0135 I004
Box Number
002
Additional Notes
Court term: January 1814.
Location: At Abraham Kochenour's Crossing, on road from Lancaster to Peach Bottom, Little Britain Twp. [now Fulton Twp.].
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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Record, Judicial

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/8b5399f6-8cfc-4cee-b175-721435578605
Collection
Bridge Records
Title
Bridge Records
Object ID
Bridge F0135 I005
Date Range
1814/04
More detail
Collection
Bridge Records
Title
Bridge Records
Date Range
1814/04
Year
1814
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives West
Storage Container
Box 0002
Subcategory
Documentary Artifact
Search Terms
Bridges
Conestoga Twp.
Confirmations
Creeks
Fords
Fulton Twp.
Kochenour's Ford
Lancaster
Martic Twp.
Peach Bottom, Little Britain Twp.
Pequea Creek
Place
Conestoga Twp. and Martic Twp.
Object Name
Record, Judicial
Language
English
Condition
Fair
Object ID
Bridge F0135 I005
Box Number
002
Additional Notes
Court term: April 1814.
Location: At Kochenour's Fording, on road from Lancaster to Peach Bottom, Little Britain Twp. [now Fulton Twp.].
Document type: Confirmation of report 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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Petition

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/130655c9-c2cd-479e-826b-744262380946
Collection
Bridge Records
Title
Bridge Records
Object ID
Bridge F0200 I001
Date Range
1814/04
More detail
Collection
Bridge Records
Title
Bridge Records
Date Range
1814/04
Year
1814
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives West
Storage Container
Box 0003
Subcategory
Documentary Artifact
Search Terms
Bridges
Chickies Creek
Chiques Creek
Creeks
Donegal Twp.
Lancaster
Maytown, Donegal Twp.
Petitions
Rapho Twp.
Place
Donegal Twp. and Rapho Twp.
Object Name
Petition
Language
English
Condition
Fair
Object ID
Bridge F0200 I001
Box Number
003
Additional Notes
Court term: April 1814.
Location: On public road from Maytown, Donegal Twp., to Lancaster.
Document type: Petition for a bridge.
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/8227fdbe-77ce-410b-acec-070563333210
Collection
Commissioners' Orders for Payment
Title
Commissioners' order for payment
Object ID
CommOrder 1828 #558
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 of Accumulation
1810-1901
Creator
County Commissioners
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Container
Box 0009
People
Hostetter, Jacob
Subcategory
Documentary Artifact
Search Terms
Bridges
Lampeter Twp.
Lancaster Twp.
Conestoga River
Commissioners' Orders for Payment
Place
Lancaster Twp.
Extent
70 boxes (35 cubic ft.)
Object Name
Documents
Language
English
Condition
Fair
Condition Date
2008-03-25
Object ID
CommOrder 1828 #558
Box Number
009
Notes
Entered into Q&A Jul 12, 2001.
Additional Notes
Bridges.
Lampeter Twp. and Lancaster Twp.
Payment for hauling stone for Hostetter's Bridge over the Conestoga River.
Hostetter, Jacob.
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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Documents

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/c10856df-e557-4640-8d59-615947632160
Collection
Commissioners' Orders for Payment
Title
Commissioners' order for payment
Object ID
CommOrder 1829 #244
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 of Accumulation
1810-1901
Creator
County Commissioners
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Container
Box 0009
People
Dorwart, Jonas
Bachman, Christian
Subcategory
Documentary Artifact
Search Terms
Bridges
Lancaster Twp.
West Lampeter Twp.
Commissioners' Orders for Payment
Place
Lancaster Twp.
Extent
70 boxes (35 cubic ft.)
Object Name
Documents
Language
English
Condition
Fair
Condition Date
2008-03-25
Object ID
CommOrder 1829 #244
Box Number
009
Notes
Entered into Q&A Jul 24, 2001.
Additional Notes
Bridges.
Lancaster Twp. and West Lampeter Twp.
Conestoga River.
Payment for superintending the quarrying of stone and the construction of a pier for a bridge at Hostetter's.
Dorwart, Jonas. Deceased. Payment was made to his eatate.
Bachman, Christian. Received payment.
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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Order for Payment

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/bd2039d7-b236-4a34-a6cf-703415075015
Collection
Commissioners' Orders for Payment
Title
Commissioners' order for payment
Object ID
CommOrder 1824 #212
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 of Accumulation
1810-1901
Creator
County Commissioners
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Container
Box 0004
People
Webb, Jonathan
Subcategory
Documentary Artifact
Search Terms
Bridges
Drumore Twp.
Colerain Twp.
Pusey's Mill
Commissioners' Orders for Payment
Place
Drumore Twp.
Extent
70 boxes (35 cubic ft.)
Object Name
Order for Payment
Language
English
Condition
Fair
Condition Date
2008-03-25
Object ID
CommOrder 1824 #212
Box Number
004
Notes
Date entered into Q & A was not recorded.
Additional Notes
Bridges
Drumore and Colerain townships
Payment for building a bridge over the Octoraro Creek near Pusey's Mill.
Webb, Jonathan.
1 item. 1 piece.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Request at research desk. Photocopy made by staff member.
Classification
RG 08-01 0510
Description Level
Item
Less detail

Documents

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/1aaab85b-99d1-4041-aabd-932781714023
Collection
Commissioners' Orders for Payment
Title
Commissioners' order for payment
Object ID
CommOrder 1827 #231
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
Kirk, Jacob
Subcategory
Documentary Artifact
Search Terms
Little Britain Twp.
Bridges
Octoraro Creek
Commissioners' Orders for Payment
Place
Little Britain Twp.
Extent
70 boxes (35 cubic tabard.)
Object Name
Documents
Language
English
Condition
Fair
Condition Date
2008-03-25
Object ID
CommOrder 1827 #231
Box Number
007
Notes
Date entered into Q & A was not recorded.
Additional Notes
Bridges.
Payment for building a bridge across the Octoraro Creek at Kirk's fording.
Kirk, Jacob.
1 item. 1 piece.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Request at research desk. Photocopy made by staff member.
Classification
RG 08-01 0510
Description Level
Item
Less detail

Documents

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/a4f3caa4-58e8-493e-94cf-237151909120
Collection
Commissioners' Orders for Payment
Title
Commissioners' order for payment
Object ID
CommOrder 1827 #289
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
English, William
Subcategory
Documentary Artifact
Search Terms
Lampeter Twp.
Strasburg Twp.
Bridges
Pequea Creek
Commissioners' Orders for Payment
Place
Lampeter Twp.
Extent
70 boxes (35 cubic tabard.)
Object Name
Documents
Language
English
Condition
Fair
Condition Date
2008-03-25
Object ID
CommOrder 1827 #289
Box Number
007
Notes
Entered into Q & A 1993/12/17.
Additional Notes
Bridges.
Lampeter and Strasburg townships.
Payment for erecting a bridge across the Pequea Creek at Herr's fording.
English, William.
1 item. 1 piece.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Request at research desk. Photocopy made by staff member.
Classification
RG 08-01 0510
Description Level
Item
Less detail

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
Less detail

10 records – page 1 of 1.