The piers from the bridge burned during the Civil War can still be seen near the Veterans Memorial Bridge, running next to its north side. The bridge was burned by Columbia militiamen to thwart the advance of Confederate forces planning to invade Union territory.
Thanks to Lancaster historian Randy Harris, the piers – along with a nearby lock of the old Pennsylvania canal – have been recognized as an authenticated site on the National Underground Network to Freedom run by the National Park Service.
The pier shown below is in remarkably good condition, considering its age and the trauma it withstood, but charring can be seen on some of the stones.
More information about the recent historical designation can be found HERE.
Columbia Spy 
Thank you Mr. Harris for taking the necessary steps to preserve this rich piece of history. In doing so, there is now another reason for tourists to make a stop here.
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Now that the historical designation is a fait accompli, some officials want recognition for having known the piers were there, but it was Randy Harris who made it happen.”Success has a thousand fathers; failure is an orphan.”
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I know of someone who has these stones in his yard for landscaping.
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The pier that is pictured here is so magnificent and in addition to what one can see, history can actually be touched since the overgrowth has been cut away. Thanks for uncovering this treasure. It stood in hiding for the very few who knew, for too long.
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Are you sure they're from these piers? If so, that would be theft of public property.How could anyone move them?
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It's been rediscovered.
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Yes and it was many years ago. Remember, know one cared about this. The weeds and trees where all grown up around there. I see nothing wrong about this.
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Yes, it really was “let go” for too long.
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I saw similar blocks, like the ones used to build the piers, in a retaining wall along bank street. This could date the age of those walls.
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Also seen at a property on union street, perhaps these particular blocks were a popular choice at the time. They are beautiful.
LikeLike
Thank you Mr. Harris for taking the necessary steps to preserve this rich piece of history. In doing so, there is now another reason for tourists to make a stop here.
LikeLike
Now that the historical designation is a fait accompli, some officials want recognition for having known the piers were there, but it was Randy Harris who made it happen.”Success has a thousand fathers; failure is an orphan.”
LikeLike
I know of someone who has these stones in his yard for landscaping.
LikeLike
The pier that is pictured here is so magnificent and in addition to what one can see, history can actually be touched since the overgrowth has been cut away. Thanks for uncovering this treasure. It stood in hiding for the very few who knew, for too long.
LikeLike
Are you sure they're from these piers? If so, that would be theft of public property.How could anyone move them?
LikeLike
It's been rediscovered.
LikeLike
Yes and it was many years ago. Remember, know one cared about this. The weeds and trees where all grown up around there. I see nothing wrong about this.
LikeLike
Yes, it really was “let go” for too long.
LikeLike
I saw similar blocks, like the ones used to build the piers, in a retaining wall along bank street. This could date the age of those walls.
LikeLike
Also seen at a property on union street, perhaps these particular blocks were a popular choice at the time. They are beautiful.
LikeLike