If you are a history buff, you will join our marveling at the rich story embedded in the river towns of Columbia, Marietta, and Wrightsville. One of the most prominent accounts of Columbia’s past occurred in June 1863 when Union soldiers, Caucasian and African American militia, and the locals banded together to prevent General Lee and his Army of Northern Virginia cross into Columbia to capture Lancaster as they traveled toward Harrisburg. To prevent Lee’s passage, they set fire to the Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge, considered as the longest covered bridge in the world at the time. The charred remnants of the bridge abutment served as grim reminders of that sacrifice that debilitated Columbia’s economy for decades for their heroism to save their towns. This is just one small facet reflecting Columbia’s fascinating history that follows the towns along the sparkling Susquehanna River. 

In 2003, work began on the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail that runs along the original Pennsylvania Mainline Canal. Along the path today, hikers, walkers, bikers, skaters, and bikers can take a trip through time to see the abandoned canal locks, iron ore furnaces, village ruins, storied mansions,white cliffs, quartzite outcrops, and a quarry that contributed to Columbia’s thriving industrial past. Learn about the town in the late 1800s when the renowned climbers destination Chickies Rock had an amusement park located at its  top with a trolley system to get there. Visit Lancaster County Park Rangers Facebook page for photos of this incredible era.

Walk along 14.1 miles from trail end points from the Columbia Crossing River Trails Center at North Front Street and Walnut Street in Columbia and the Falmouth Boat Launch on Collins Road and SR 441/River Road in nearby Bainbridge.

If you are an outdoor enthusiast, you might enjoy downloading the Free TrailLink App can guide you and connect you with find trails near your location since it links to 36K miles of trails.

At RG Injury Law, our personal injury law firm is lucky to be situated amidst Columbia’s rich cultural offerings of museums, arts, antiques, shops, and dining establishments. We are always glad to meet with neighbors at our Locust Street Office right in the heart of Columbia.

The accident lawyers at Rankin & Gregory are grateful and proud of the words shared by our neighbors, clients, and friends. We love being a part of the Columbia PA community. We believe in showing “hometown compassion” while giving clients big city results. Our team at Rankin & Gregory is committed to providing the best legal representation possible to protect people’s rights when accidents that cause injuries occur and you need help. If you or a loved one ever face an injury because of a fall because of negligence, a motor vehicle accident, nursing home neglect, an accident at your workplace while on the job, or other devastating injuries or a wrongful death, our law firm will be there to provide compassion, clarity, calm, and peace of mind from the moment you choose us to fight for your rights and highest compensation from the insurance company. Chat, email, or call us at 717.656.5000 when you need trustworthy, experienced legal advice about your potential case.