Long before Columbia became the spirited river town known today for its resilience along the river, it began as a quiet settlement perched along the sweeping Susquehanna. Its transformation—from a Native American village to a national contender for the U.S. capital, to a hub of abolitionist bravery—unfolds like a frontier epic shaped by visionaries, dreamers, and the relentless current of history.
A Frontier Awakens
The story begins in 1724, when John Wright Sr., an English Quaker from Chester County, arrived at a Native American village known as Shanawa Town. Wright, captivated by the natural beauty and strategic location of the site, began to imagine something more. His early visits sparked a vision that would soon draw other settlers to the western bank of the Susquehanna River.
In 1726, Wright returned with fellow pioneers Samuel Blunston and Robert Barber, armed with a patent to construct a ferry. By 1730, the crossing—eventually known as Wright’s Ferry—became a cornerstone of regional commerce, connecting east and west, bringing travelers, merchants, and opportunity to the growing settlement.
Wright’s influence would extend even further. In 1729, he was appointed Chief Burgess, and in a nod to his English roots, he named the newly formed county Lancaster, after his home in Lancashire, England. Under his leadership, the once-quiet village began to gain identity and permanence.
Foundations of a Town
Wright’s legacy was continued through his children. In 1736, his son James Wright built the now-famous Wright’s Ferry House. There, his Aunt Susanna Wright lived until 1760, cultivating a reputation as both a respected intellectual and a pioneer in the region’s early silk industry. With silkworms spinning in her parlor and students gathering to learn from her, Susanna became one of the earliest symbols of Columbia’s innovative spirit.
But it was James Wright’s son, Samuel Wright, who would formally shape the town’s destiny. In 1788, Samuel surveyed the land, laid out building lots, and on July 25, auctioned them off in a public lottery. That same year, with visionary ambition, he named the town Columbia, honoring explorer Christopher Columbus. Samuel hoped the name would help secure a bold dream: to make Columbia the capital of the United States. While the honor ultimately went to Washington, D.C., the attempt speaks to the town’s early aspirations and confidence.
Battles for Freedom and Progress
As the 19th century opened, Columbia emerged as a beacon of liberty. William Wright, Samuel’s brother and the son of James Wright, became a key figure in the Underground Railroad. Beginning around 1805, William operated a station in his own home, guiding more than 1,000 freedom seekers to safety. His quiet heroism helped cement Columbia’s place in abolitionist history.
Infrastructure growth continued to reshape the town. In 1811, the Columbia Bank & Bridge Company was formed, with William Wright serving as its president. Their goal: build the first bridge across the Susquehanna. Completed in 1814, the bridge stood as a marvel of engineering until a devastating flood swept it away in 1832…