Skip header and navigation
  Revise Search

Revise Search

30 records – page 1 of 3.

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
Content Note: 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
More detail
  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
thumbnail

Finding Aid

Read PDF Download PDF
Less detail

Documents

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/3c44ce4d-e613-4218-a39b-343611171360
Collection
Bridge Records
Title
Bridge Records
Object ID
Bridge F0190 I007
Date Range
1823/11
More detail
Collection
Bridge Records
Title
Bridge Records
Date Range
1823/11
Year
1823
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives West
Storage Container
Box 0003
Subcategory
Documentary Artifact
Search Terms
Bridges
Conewago Creek
Conoy Twp.
Creeks
Dauphin County, Pennsylvania
Inspections
Orders
Petitions
Reports
Place
Donegal Twp. and Dauphin County
Object Name
Documents
Language
English
Condition
Fair
Object ID
Bridge F0190 I007
Box Number
003
Additional Notes
Court term: November 1823.
Location: At mouth of creek.
Document types: Petition for appointment of inspectors.
Order for inspection and inspection report.
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

Documents

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/74c95eb5-1c0b-4c3e-bb9b-254534732195
Collection
Bridge Records
Title
Bridge Records
Object ID
Bridge F0435 I010
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
1828
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives West
Storage Container
Box 0006
People
Hostetter
Subcategory
Documentary Artifact
Search Terms
Creeks
Conestoga Creek
Lampeter Twp.
Lancaster Twp.
Hostetter's Ford
Fords
Lancaster
Notifications
Reports
Bridges
Place
Lampeter Twp. and Lancaster Twp.
Object Name
Documents
Language
English
Condition
Fair
Object ID
Bridge F0435 I010
Box Number
006
Additional Notes
[Lampeter Twp. and Lancaster Twp.]
Location: At Hostetter's Fording, near Lancaster City.
Document type: Notification and report of needed bridge repairs.
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/059549ca-5119-42c8-8483-773176997749
Collection
Bridge Records
Title
Bridge Records
Object ID
Bridge F0455 I006
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
1825
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives West
Storage Container
Box 0007
People
Herr, Christian
Subcategory
Documentary Artifact
Search Terms
Creeks
Pequea Creek
Lampeter Twp.
Strasburg Twp.
Lancaster
Port Deposit, Maryland
Christian Herr's Ford
Fords
Orders
Reports
Bridges
Place
Lampeter Twp. and Strasburg Twp.
Object Name
Documents
Language
English
Condition
Fair
Object ID
Bridge F0455 I006
Box Number
007
Additional Notes
[Lampeter Twp. and Strasburg Twp.]
Court term: April 1825.
Location: On the road from Lancaster to Port Deposit, Maryland, near Christian Herr's Fording.
Document type: Order and 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
Less detail

Documents

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/1da78fd5-796e-40ba-90ce-221464023670
Collection
Bridge Records
Title
Bridge Records
Object ID
Bridge F0455 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
1827
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives West
Storage Container
Box 0007
People
Herr, Christian
Subcategory
Documentary Artifact
Search Terms
Creeks
Pequea Creek
Lampeter Twp.
Strasburg Twp.
Lancaster
New Providence, Providence Twp.
Christian Herr's Ford
Fords
Orders
Inspections
Reports
Bridges
Place
Lampeter Twp. and Strasburg Twp.
Object Name
Documents
Language
English
Condition
Fair
Object ID
Bridge F0455 I007
Box Number
007
Additional Notes
[Lampeter Twp. and Strasburg Twp.]
Court term: August 1827.
Location: On the road from Lancaster to New Providence, Providence Twp., at Christian Herr's Fording.
Document type: Order for inspection and 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
Less detail

Documents

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/f62d9dc1-98bb-42d7-a5f0-886171883490
Collection
Bridge Records
Title
Bridge Records
Object ID
Bridge F0545 I003
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
1828
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives West
Storage Container
Box 0008
People
Kirk
Subcategory
Documentary Artifact
Search Terms
Creeks
Octoraro Creek
Little Britain Twp.
West Nottingham Twp., Chester County
Kirk's Ford
Fords
Petitions
Orders
Reports
Inspections
Bridges
Place
Little Britain Twp. and West Nottingham Twp., Chester County
Object Name
Documents
Language
English
Condition
Fair
Object ID
Bridge F0545 I003
Box Number
008
Additional Notes
[Little Britain Twp. and West Nottingham Twp., Chester County]
Court term: April 1828.
Location: At Kirk's Fording.
Document types: Petition for appointment of inspectors.
Order for inspection and inspection report.
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

Petition

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/1606f44a-b52c-4841-979a-150567498967
Collection
Bridge Records
Title
Bridge Records
Object ID
Bridge F0190 I008
Date Range
1824/04
More detail
Collection
Bridge Records
Title
Bridge Records
Date Range
1824/04
Year
1824
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives West
Storage Container
Box 0003
Subcategory
Documentary Artifact
Search Terms
Bridges
Conewago Creek
Conoy Twp.
Creeks
Dauphin County, Pennsylvania
Inspections
Orders
Petitions
Reports
Place
Donegal Twp. and Dauphin County
Object Name
Petition
Language
English
Condition
Fair
Object ID
Bridge F0190 I008
Box Number
003
Additional Notes
Court term: April 1824.
Location: At mouth of creek.
Document types: Petition for appointment of inspectors.
Order for inspection and inspection report.
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

Petition

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/09bf78eb-12e9-4f76-bf24-531937607360
Collection
Bridge Records
Title
Bridge Records
Object ID
Bridge F0230 I003
Date Range
1820
More detail
Collection
Bridge Records
Title
Bridge Records
Date Range
1820
Year
1820
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives West
Storage Container
Box 0003
Subcategory
Documentary Artifact
Search Terms
Bridges
Cocalico Creek
Creeks
Earl Twp.
Inspections
Lancaster
Orders
Petitions
Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania
Reports
Warwick Twp.
Place
Earl Twp. and Warwick Twp.
Object Name
Petition
Language
English
Condition
Fair
Object ID
Bridge F0230 I003
Box Number
003
Additional Notes
[Earl Twp. and Warwick Twp.]
Location: On road from Lancaster to Reading, Berks County.
Document types: Petition for appointment of inspectors.
Order for inspection and inspection report.
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

Petition

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/68d43e5c-19b5-4bd3-b2e7-941086115365
Collection
Bridge Records
Title
Petition for appointment of viewers ;order and report of viewers.
Object ID
Bridge F0230 I004
Date Range
1823
More detail
Collection
Bridge Records
Title
Petition for appointment of viewers ;order and report of viewers.
Description
Court term: January 1823.
Location: At former location of Smith's Bridge, near Henry Smith's house.
Document types: Petition for appointment of viewers.
Order and report of viewers.
System of Arrangement
Records are arranged by township, then chronologically within each township.
Date Range
1823
Year
1823
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives West
Storage Container
Box 0003
People
Smith, Henry
Subcategory
Documentary Artifact
Search Terms
Bridges
Cocalico Creek
Creeks
Earl Twp.
Orders
Petitions
Reports
Smith's Bridge
Warwick Twp.
Place
Earl Twp. and Warwick Twp.
Extent
2 items, 2 pieces
Object Name
Petition
Language
English
Condition
Fair
Object ID
Bridge F0230 I004
Box Number
003
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Request at Reference Desk; photocopy made by staff member.
Classification
RG 02-00 0324
Description Level
Item
Less detail

Petition

https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/0d13a971-c371-47f0-8da9-077454601814
Collection
Bridge Records
Title
Bridge Records
Object ID
Bridge F0070 I005
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 0001
People
Pusey, Samuel
Subcategory
Documentary Artifact
Search Terms
Bridges
Colerain Twp.
Creeks
Drumore Twp.
Mills
Octoraro Creek, East Branch
Orders
Petitions
Reports
Samuel Pusey's Mill
Place
Colerain Twp. and Drumore Twp.
Object Name
Petition
Language
English
Condition
Fair
Object ID
Bridge F0070 I005
Box Number
001
Additional Notes
Bridge over [West Branch] of Octoraro Creek
Location: Near Samuel Pusey's Mill.
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
Less detail

30 records – page 1 of 3.