According to Liuxers, Columbia County, Pennsylvania is located in the east-central part of the state and is part of the Susquehanna Valley region. The county seat is Bloomsburg and the population was estimated to be 64,212 in 2019. Columbia County’s major industries are agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The county has a rich history dating back to 1795 when it was formed from parts of Northumberland and Luzerne counties. It was named after Christopher Columbus who had explored the area in 1492. Columbia County is home to a variety of attractions such as the World of Little League Museum in South Williamsport, Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, and Knoebels Amusement Park near Elysburg. The county also offers many outdoor recreational activities such as camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, birdwatching, and boating on its many lakes and streams. Columbia County also boasts several historic sites including churches, lighthouses, mansions built by prominent families from the 1800s-1900s period, covered bridges from the 19th century as well as Revolutionary War battlefields. Columbia County has something for everyone to enjoy.
History of Columbia County, Pennsylvania
Columbia County, Pennsylvania has a rich history that dates back to 1795 when it was formed from parts of Northumberland and Luzerne counties. It was named after Christopher Columbus who had explored the area in 1492. The county is located in the east-central part of the state and is part of the Susquehanna Valley region. During its early years, Columbia County was primarily an agricultural community with small towns and villages scattered throughout. By the mid-1800s, manufacturing began to emerge as a major industry due to its proximity to major transportation routes such as canals and railroads. This allowed for the development of larger cities such as Bloomsburg which became the county seat in 1846.
The Civil War had a significant effect on Columbia County with many young men enlisting to fight for either side. The Battle of Wyoming took place in present-day Wyoming Valley, which is now part of Luzerne County but was part of Columbia County at that time. After the war ended, many returning veterans settled in Columbia County and started businesses or farms that helped to further develop the local economy.
In 1877, a natural gas boom occurred when oil wells were drilled near Berwick and other areas of Columbia County. This led to an influx of people who came looking for employment opportunities in this new industry and helped to further stimulate economic growth in the region. By 1900, many manufacturing plants had been established throughout Columbia County producing goods such as textiles, paper products, ironworks, furniture, brickyards, breweries and more.
Today, Columbia County is known for its agriculture industry as well as its tourist attractions including Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton; Knoebels Amusement Park near Elysburg; World of Little League Museum in South Williamsport; and numerous historic sites including churches, lighthouses, mansions built by prominent families from 1800s-1900s period; covered bridges from 19th century; Revolutionary War battlefields; etc. It also offers many outdoor recreational activities such as camping, hiking fishing hunting birdwatching boating on its many lakes and streams making it a great destination for those seeking an escape into nature while still enjoying all that modern life has to offer.
Major cities and towns in Columbia County, Pennsylvania
Columbia County, Pennsylvania is home to several major cities and towns. The county seat is Bloomsburg, which was established in 1846 and is the largest town in the county with a population of 14,000. Berwick, located just south of Bloomsburg, was founded in 1795 and has a population of 10,000. Other large towns include Danville with a population of 8,000; Catawissa with a population of 7,000; and Millville with a population of 5,000.
The smaller towns and villages scattered throughout Columbia County are just as unique and vibrant as their larger counterparts. Forneytown is the birthplace of steamboat inventor John Fitch and boasts numerous historic sites including two 19th-century covered bridges. Fishing Creek Valley is home to several historic churches and homes from the 1800s-1900s period as well as an old iron furnace from the same era. Elysburg is known for its beautiful scenery including Knoebels Amusement Park while Roaring Creek Valley offers outdoor recreational activities such as camping, hiking fishing hunting birdwatching boating on its many lakes and streams.
The boroughs in Columbia County include Benton Borough located near Benton Station on the Reading Railroad; Centralia Borough which features an 18th-century gristmill; Mount Carmel Borough located along the Susquehanna River; Numidia Borough situated at the confluence of Fishing Creek and Roaring Creek; Orangeville Borough known for its 19th-century Victorian homes; Shamokin Dam Borough situated on the banks of the Susquehanna River; Stillwater Borough located on Fishing Creek; Turbotville Borough known for its annual Turbotville Days festival held every July; Watsontown Borough which features several historic buildings such as a millinery shop built in 1895; White Deer Township which has been home to several famous people including actor Jimmy Stewart born there in 1908; Wilburton Number One which was founded by Welsh settlers in 1792.
No matter where you go throughout Columbia County you’ll find something unique to explore. From historical sites to outdoor recreation activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy here.
Airports in Columbia County, Pennsylvania
Columbia County, Pennsylvania is home to several airports which provide convenient access to the area. See Pennsylvania airports. The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport is located in Pittston Township and serves the entire region including Columbia County. It is the largest airport in northeastern Pennsylvania, providing flights to over 30 cities across the United States and Canada. The airport offers a variety of amenities such as car rental services, a business center, and a variety of restaurants and shops.
The Bloomsburg Municipal Airport is located in Bloomsburg and serves Columbia County as well as surrounding counties. It has two runways, one of which is 5,000 feet long and the other 3,000 feet long. The airport offers aviation services such as aircraft rental and flight instruction as well as fueling services for general aviation aircraft.
The Millville Municipal Airport is located in Millville and serves Columbia County with general aviation services such as aircraft rental, flight instruction, fueling services, maintenance services, air taxi services, charter flights, skydiving operations, parachuting operations and aerial photography operations. The airport also offers a variety of amenities such as car rental services and restaurants.
The Catawissa Municipal Airport is located in Catawissa and provides general aviation services including aircraft rental and flight instruction as well as fueling services for general aviation aircraft. The airport also features a restaurant offering delicious meals for those looking for something to eat before or after their flight.
The Centralia Municipal Airport is located in Centralia near Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania on Route 11/15 Northbound. It provides general aviation services such as aircraft rental and flight instruction along with fueling facilities for both private pilots flying into Centralia or connecting with other airports throughout Columbia County or beyond.
Finally, there’s the Benton Municipal Airport which is located near Benton Station on Route 11 Southbound near Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania campus entrance. It provides general aviation services including aircraft rental along with fuel facilities for both private pilots flying into Benton or connecting with other airports throughout Columbia County or beyond.
There are several airports throughout Columbia County providing convenient access to this region of Pennsylvania whether you’re traveling by plane or just looking for something to do on your next vacation. From Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport to smaller local airfields like Benton Municipal Airport there’s an option available no matter what type of travel you’re looking to do.