The Prelude To Gettysburg Marks 150 Years

ENGLEONLINE
June 28, 1863, is the day that local history changed forever.

It was on this date, with Confederate troops advancing with the goal of crossing the Susquehanna River at Wrightsville, that Columbia residents sprang into action, burning the bridge and preventing the Confederates from entering Lancaster County.

"We like to think that the burning of the bridge had an impact on the battle of Gettysburg," said Claire Storm, Civil War 150 River Towns committee chair.

Committee member Kathy Hohenadel explained that other Confederate troops were already heading to Gettysburg. However, she noted, the number of Confederates at Gettysburg increased because the troops that were unable to cross the Susquehanna River via the Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge then changed course and traveled to Gettysburg.

"(The bridge burning) played a huge role (in the Civil War)," Storm added. "It's probably one of the most important events in the history of this area."

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