The bridge which spanned the Susquehanna River between Wrightsville, York County and Columbia, Lancaster County was closely watched by spies, informers, and slave catchers. It was the only bridge over the river for 25 miles to the north or south of Wrightsville. It was the most heavily traveled route from York to Philadelphia. Due to the extensive and well-coordinated efforts of the Underground Railroad network in Lancaster County, the bridge was seen as a last drive for freedom. Slave hunters often went immediately to the bridge to intercept runaways upon receiving the news that the slaves were in York County. The bridge was so closely watched that a number of creative means were necessary to help fugitives across the river. It was done by ferriage, by railway freight cars, or by horse team driven carts. Men such as William Whipper and Stephen Smith, African-American merchants met the runaways in Columbia.
A view of the Route 462 bridge from the York County side south of the bridge. The tufts of foliage seen
north of the bridge mark the pilings of the original railroad bridge, seen below:
William Goodridge
House Elmwood Mansion Griest/Kirk House Willis House Buttonwood Tree House Old York Valley Inn Wrightsville/Columbia
Bridge Mifflin House
