Columbia Township

Geography, Topography, and History

The Township of Columbia is situated on the west boundary of the County. It is bound to the noth by Wells Township, to the northeast by South Creek Township, to the east by Springfield Township, to the southeast by Troy Township, to the south by Armenia Township and to the west by Tioga County. Sylvania Borough is also situated inside of the Township. Several streams run through the township, which include: Wolf Hollow, South Creek, Mill Creek, and Sugar Creek.

The Township of Columbia was officially formed in 1813. In 1777, John and Nathaniel Ballard made the first settlement in the township near the foot of Bailey Hill. The first house built in the township was a log cabin by Richard Doty in 1795. In 1814, Moses Taylor built the first schoolhouse, which is now part of Smithfield. The first post office was erected in 1818 and called Sylvania.

Local Government and Current Data

The elected local officials that govern the Township of Columbia include three supervisors. The Township has opted out of organizing a planning commission, comprehensive plan, and enforcing zoning regulations. Any subdivisions and land developments occuring within the Township must comply with Bradford County Office of Planning and Grants standards that were adopted in 2003.

The Township of Columbia is predominantly used for agricultural purposes. The Columbia Township Community Hall Playground is open to the public from dawn to dusk. Beginning in the Spring through mid-November, the Columbia Cross Roads Family Farmer’s Market is open to purchase local produce grown from an Amish farm. There are also two churches located within the Township, which include the Austinville Church and the Columbia Cross Roads Methodist Church.

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