The Columbia Spy began publication June 17, 1830, with John L. Boswell as the editor and publisher. Twenty-year-old Boswell came to Columbia from Hartford, Connecticut, where he served an apprenticeship with The Courant. The paper was allegedly named "Spy" to reflect the strong anti-slavery sentiment in the community.

What You Can Find in the Spy:

Local, national, and international news
Vital statistical information
       Marriage announcements
       Death notices
Advertisements, including ads for runaway slaves
Political and legal notices
Articles about the African American community
Literary selections, including pieces by Edgar Allen Poe
References to prominent free African Americans

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"The Letter" "When I cannot sleep at night I lie and think of things in Washington Boro, of the business there used to be down their (sic).. I will tell you of some of them..." A look at some of the businesses of Washington Boro as written by Florence Bitner, living most of her life in Washington Boro. History of Manor Township                 from History of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of the Pioneers and Prominent Men. by Franklin Ellis and Samuel Evans. Caroline Peart Artist and Aunt of Andrew Wyeth Petroglyphs Native American Rock Carvings Shad Fishing Industry at Washington Boro  Shad Batteries, Ortman Brothers, Wertz Hotel, Isles of Promise Shawnee Indians Article courtesy of The Conestoga Historical Society Shenks Ferry Indians Article courtesy of The Conestoga Historical Society Susquehannock Indians Article courtesy of The Conestoga Historical Society “Susquehanna River, a Busy Waterway” The story of Susquehanna River Navigation Washington Boro Fire Department A History of Washington Boro by Franklin Ellis and Samuel Evans. Philadelphia: Everts & Peck 1883 Washington Boro Map 1864 Washington Boro Black Population 1850 Article courtesy of The Conestoga Historical Society