History of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania
Bloomsburg, on the North Branch of the Susquehanna River is the only incorporated town in Pennsylvania. Other municipalities of this approximate size are generally boroughs. This distinction arises from a special act of incorporation passed by the General Assembly on March 4, 1870. The community leaders of that time, desiring to establish a municipality, found it difficult to set off the
built-up section from Bloom Township in such a manner that it would not leave the remainder of the township with population too small to support a township government and also too widely divided in territory. A prominent state and national figure at that time, a resident of Bloomsburg and a member of the State Senate, Charles R. Buckalew, solved the difficulty by securing the passage of the special act of incorporation, noted above, which made the boundaries of the new
municipality coterminous with Bloom Township. This arrangement resembles that of the New England towns, and, it is inferred, the new municipality was designated town for that reason. Buckalew, a diligent student of government, was able to secure in this act of incorporation, the embodiment of several other distinctive features, most of which, but not all, are still in effect.
Bloomsburg's earliest development was closely associated with the Indian period of American history. The Susquehannock Indians were the first occupants of the Susquehanna River Valley which served as a major route into Central New York State. The only reminder of the original inhabitants is the legacy of colorful Indian names such as Susquehanna, Catawissa, Nescopeck, and Shickshinny.
Peaceful settlement brought about an influx of early squatters and land speculators. The protected bottom lands along the river were occupied first, followed by the occupancy of higher lands. In 1772, James McClure came to the area from Lancaster and built a log cabin near the banks of the Susquehanna within the present Town limits.
In 1781, a wooden stockade was constructed around the McClure dwelling to protect settlers from Indian attacks. Today, all that remains of the Fort McClure site is a one-room cabin, which is open to the public. The Bloomsburg area was largely self-sufficient at first, but gradually developed a need to find markets for surplus products. The construction of new roads and the opening of the North Branch Canal encouraged an influx of new settlers and stimulated the economy.
The discovery of iron ore nearby gave rise to a flourishing iron industry that lasted three-quarters of a century.
Bloom Township, as it was known until the mid-1800's was one of the original 12 townships which comprised Columbia County in 1813. Various portions were taken from it to be added to surrounding townships, and in 1870, the remainder was organized as the Town of Bloomsburg. The turn of the century brought about a substantial change in Bloomsburg's economy. The iron ore was exhausted, and the agricultural base was depleted. New types of businesses were introduced. Textile mills began to locate here, such as Magee Carpets. These were supplemented by numerous small manufacturing enterprises that established the diversified pattern that characterizes the present economy of Bloomsburg.
Bloomsburg is located in the heart of Columbia County. It is the county seat.
The Central Business District has experienced an economic and aesthetic revitalization. The Downtown has become a model to other communities involved in similar activities. A section of the town has been named a National Historic District, opening the way for the refurbishing of its fine residential architecture.