magnifier
Image
magbottom
 
Columbia Wrightsville Bridge
Close Window

Photograph of prewar bridge, showing a view of Columbia from Wrightsville.

Credit: Courtesy of Lancaster County Historical Society, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

In 1863, the magnificent wooden bridge that spanned the Susquehanna River at Wrightsville was the only crossing point between Harrisburg and Conowingo, Maryland, to the south. At 5,620 feet long, this was thought to be the longest wooden covered bridge in the world. To prevent Confederates from crossing to the eastern side of the Susquehanna, which would have given them access to Harrisburg, and the riches of Lancaster County, Union militia burned the bridge on June 28.

Back to Top