The Susquehanna River at Columbia, PA

The Susquehanna River at Columbia, PA

The Susquehanna River has always been a landmark of Central Pennsylvania.  The river's name is said to have come from a native American word meaning "muddy current". 

200 years ago, trees shipped down from the virgin forests around Williamsport, on the West Branch of the Susquehanna in North Central PA,  helped to fuel a thriving lumber and building industry along the river towns in Lancaster County.

In the 1820s, canals were built along the Susquehanna, further enabling river towns like Columbia and Marietta to grow.

In the second half of the 1800s, railroads continued the progress of the river towns, but the river remained a central part of the economy.

Columbia today is the largest borough between the state capitol at Harrisburg and the end of the Susquehanna at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay.

In recent times, the Susquehanna Valley River Towns of Columbia and Marietta have become increasingly popular destinations for tourists seeking antiques, art, historic architecture, and beautiful scenery!