Burning bridges

By Congressman Joseph R. Pitts

In the mid 19^th century, Columbia was a hub of the nation’s economic activity.  Several railroads converged on the banks of the Susquehanna, crossing the bridge or unloading cargo onto barges in one of several canals that converged here.  Many major industries were also located here.

The Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge was a major reason for that success. Completed in 1834 at a cost of $128,726.50 the Susquehanna Bridge was the longest covered wooden bridge in the world.  It spanned the 5,620 feet across the Susquehanna River. 

As the only river crossing between Harrisburg and the mouth of the river, the bridge provided an important springboard to the west for a nation expanding rapidly.  Its strategic position however made it a fine prize for any army.

In 1863, Columbia’s residents watched the western horizon with trepidation.  In June Union troops marched into town and commandeered the bridge in anticipation of a Confederate assault.  Knowing that the Columbia-Wrightsville bridge offered one of the only crossings into eastern Pennsylvania and a way to flank Union forces, Lee sent a garrison of 2,500 men to take the bridge.

Union generals anticipated this move, ordering their men to defend the bridge at all costs, destroying it if necessary.

On June 28, 1863 the bridge’s defenders broke under the assault of more than 2,000 Confederate troops.  They retreated back over the bridge towards Columbia.  Their first attempt to blow out a span of the bridge failed.  They had no other choice but to burn the bridge.

The following day Samuel Schock, the clerk at the Columbia Bank made the following entry in the bank’s journal, “June 29, 1863.  Dear Sir, The bridge at this place, owned by the Columbia Bank, was burned by the United States Military authorities to prevent the Rebels from crossing the Susquehanna River.  Signed Samuel Schock, Cashier.”

The bridge burning slowed the Confederate advance into Pennsylvania leading up to the Battle of Gettysburg. 

The act of burning the bridge, however, obligated the federal government to compensate the owner of the bridge – Columbia National Bank.  That bill was never paid, and Columbia’s economy was adversely affected.

The town was understandably shaken by the event.  Ten days after the bridge was destroyed the Lancaster Examiner-Herald reported that the event, “has given rise to a rumor that its loss would have the effect of impairing the credit of the Columbia Bank.”

The people were reassured by a law that made “the Government responsible for all loss.” 

In 1849, Congress passed a law providing for the reimbursement of anyone who had property damaged or destroyed by order of the commanding General.  The law said only that the property had to be seized by the military for “necessary purposes of public use” and that the amount of reimbursement would equal the value at the time of destruction.

The Columbia Bridge fell under this law.  And for decades, the Columbia National Bank pressed the matter unsuccessfully with the federal government.  While some in the military acknowledged the incident, others did not. 

Today that debt grows.  In fact, the original debt of $50,000 has grown, with interest, to roughly $170 million today. 

The outstanding debt did not prevent the construction of a new bridge.   In 1868, a new bridge went up.  And today there are numerous convenient crossings. 

It is clear that the bridge was confiscated for use by the United States Army at a time of grave national emergency.  It is also clear that it was necessary to destroy the bridge to prevent the Confederates from marching into eastern Pennsylvania. 

But Columbia was never compensated for its loss, as required by law.  However, it is also clear that the history of the Bridge and river towns like Columbia has gone ignored for too long. 

When Congress returns from its District Work Period in September, I intend to press this matter on the House floor.  And if Uncle Sam still does not fulfill his obligations, we can rest assured that the crucial role our area played in the outcome of the Civil War has received the attention it deserves. 

Join me in retelling stories like this that confirm the illustrious role the residents of this area have played in the history of this great nation.

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