History of Columbia, Connecticut, USA

1804 - (Columbia, CT) - Called Lebanon Crank by its European settlers, the town separated from Lebanon in 1804.

connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ columbia/

1819 - Columbia
Columbia, a post town, is situated 22 miles east from Hartford. It is bounded on the north by Hop river, which separates it from Coventry, on the east by Windham and Lebanon, south by Lebanon, and west by Hebron. It has an average length of about 6 miles, and is 4 miles in breadth; comprising 20 square miles, or near 13,000 acres...
A Gazetteer of the States of Connecticut and Rhode-Island: Written with Care and Impartiality, from Original and Authentic Materials : Consisting of Two Parts ... with an Accurate and Improved Map of Each State Authors John Chauncey Pease, John Milton Niles Publisher W.S. Marsh, 1819

1839 - Columbia
Columbia, Connecticut
Tolland county. Taken from Lebanon in 1800. It is 22 miles E. from Hartford and about 14 S. by E. from Tolland. Population, 1830, 962. Columbia is watered by a branch of the Willimantic, and has a satinet factory, and other operations by water. The surface is uneven; the soil hard and gravelly, but excellent for grazing. In this place, about the year 1741, the Rev. Dr. Eleazar Wheelock, the first president of Dartmouth College, opened a school for the instruction of Indian youth. He removed his family and pupils to Hanover, N.H., in the autumn of 1770. The snow was very deep, and Hanover was a wilderness. "Sometimes standing in the open air, at the head of his numerous family, Dr. Wheelock presented to God their morning and evening prayers: the surrounding forests, for the first time, reverberated the solemn sounds of supplication and praise." This good man died in 1779, aged 69.
The New England Gazetteer containing descriptions of all the states, counties and towns in New England: also descriptions of the principal mountains, rivers lakes, capes, bays, harbors, islands and fashionable resorts within that territory. By John Hayward, author of the Columbian Traveller, Religious Creeds, &c. &c. Boston: John Hayward. Boyd & White, Concord, N.H. 1839

1854 - Columbia
Columbia, a post-township of Tolland county, Connecticut, 20 miles E. by S. from Hartford. Population, 876.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1859
COLUMBIA, a township of Tolland co., in the state of Connecticut, 24 m. SE of Hartford, drained by a branch of the Willimantic river, which affords good water power. Its surface is undulating, and its soil gravelly, but producing excellent pasturage. Pop. 842.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859

1865 - Industry created Columbia Lake to fuel its power needs when, in 1865, the American Linen Company of Willimantic flooded meadowland it had purchased from Columbia.
Today, this water shed is again Columbia-owned.
connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ columbia/

1879 - According to an experiment made with potatoes and corn last season, by Mr. S. B. West, of Columbia, Conn., and reported in the Ohio Farmer
by William H. Yeomans, the butt-ends of potatoes, and the kernels of corn from the butt-ends of the ears, each produced crops that were materially better than where the opposite course was pursued. In the case of the potatoes, the stalks from the butt-ends were much the larger and more forward at the first hoeing. The increase in the corn was some 20 per cent. in favor of the butt-end kernels. Of course, repeated experiments are necessary to settle a question of this character.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
May 3, 1879

1895 - Columbia
Columbia, a post-hamlet of Tolland co., Conn., in Columbia township, 23 miles S. of Hop River Railroad Station, and 6 or 7 miles W. by S. of Willimantic. It has a church. The township has a saw-mill, and manufactures of baskets, fertilizers, and cotton-warp. Pop. in 1890, 740.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1916
Columbia, a post-village of Tolland co., Conn., in Columbia township (town), 6 miles W. by S. of Willimantic. The town has various manufactures. Pop. of the town in 1900, 655.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in and around Columbia:
Columbia Lake:

Start your journey with a visit to Columbia Lake. It's a beautiful spot for a peaceful walk, a picnic, or just enjoying the serene surroundings.

Hop River State Park Trail:

If you're into hiking or biking, the Hop River State Park Trail is a great option. It's a scenic trail that follows an old rail line and provides a lovely outdoor experience.

Columbia Historical Society Museum:

Learn about the town's history by visiting the Columbia Historical Society Museum. It's a small museum but packed with interesting artifacts and information about the area.

Columbia Green Farmer's Market:

Check out the local farmer's market for fresh produce, handmade crafts, and a taste of the community. It's a great way to support local businesses.

Diana's Pool:

For nature enthusiasts, Diana's Pool is a hidden gem. It's a series of cascading waterfalls and pools, perfect for a refreshing swim or a quiet moment by the water.

Local Cafés and... Read MORE...