Written Local Histories

Early Histories - Good Source Information - Some Errors

 History of Columbia and Montour Counties

- edited by J.H. Battle, 1887

One of the earliest histories that have been written about Columbia and Montour Counties, this original book is also available as a reprint version by a few genealogical publishers. It features engraved line drawings of some of the more prominent persons of the era. The book begins with a complete history of the founding of Pennsylvania and the formation of the counties and goes into detail about both Columbia and Montour Counties.

History of Columbia and Montour Counties

- published by J.H. Beers, 1915

This two volume set, is one of the most popular sources of genealogy research for Columbia and Montour Counties. There is extensive biographical information about families who resided in both these counties at the turn of the century. Both volumes feature an alphabetical index for surnames. This helps in locating the page of text that the name appears. Over the years, these volumes have also been offered in reprinted form. Like the Battle History, they also feature engraved line drawings of some of the more prominent citizens. Volume I begins with a complete history of both counties and goes into detail about the economical and social issues of the period.

A History of Columbia County, Pennsylvania

- by John G. Freeze, 1883

Another early history written by attorney John G. Freeze. It documents some of the earliest history of Columbia County and contains listings of military muster rolls of the county.

20th Century Histories - Books in Print

Civil War Letters from Soldiers and
     Citizens of Columbia County,
     Pennsylvania

- edited by George A. Turner, 1996

This newest book published to benefit the Columbia County Historical Society, is a collection of some 200 letters from more than 50 different individuals. The letters have been put into an easy to read, typeset form. The original spellings and text have not been edited. This allows the reader to formulate their own picture of the writer. You can read first hand accounts, the views of Columbia County soldiers and citizens regarding the Civil War. Copies are available from:

Columbia County Historical Society
225 Market Street
PO Box 360
Bloomsburg PA 17815-0360
Phone: 570-784-1600

The cost of the book is $36.00 which includes tax and shipping.
Checks may be made payable to CCHS.

Columbia County Place Names

- by Walter M. Brasch, 1982

This publication of the Columbia County Historical Society lists alphabetically, the names of bridges, towns, villages, and regions of Columbia County, both big and small. It details the origins of each name.

Susquehanna Valley Pictorial History

- edited by Janet Smith, 1995;

Published by the Press Enterprise

This book of early photographs of the area was compiled and published by the area's local newspaper. The original photographs were provided by readers who wanted to contribute to the book. It is available by writing to the publisher at: