The History of Downtown Columbia City

Columbia City is the county seat of Whitley County , Indiana. Originally founded October 16, 1839 on 443 acres belonging to a Philadelphia resident, Elihu Chauncey.

Columbia City was not the original name of this community and debate lasted for over 15 years before a name was finally chosen. After many suggestions, such as "Beaver" in honor of the Indian who once owned the nearby reserve, to Elizabethtown after one of the founding fathers wife, and Little Turtle, born in Whitley County and hailed as the last Chief of the Miami Indians. After much discussion the name Columbia was selected in November 1839.

However, in 1853, after confusion with between the South Whitley and Whitley ( Columbia City ) post office, it became apparent there should be a new name for the post office located in Columbia . Again debate ensued over a name. It was reasoned that since Columbia was already in use in the state of Indiana , by tagging on "City" to Columbia would give the impression of bigger and better.

Washington D.C. certified in 1954 the official name of Columbia City . Although, despite the designated name, Columbia City remained a town until the city was incorporated in 1888.

Whitley County Courthouse

The first cornerstone was laid September, 1888. By April, 1890, the county officials began to occupy their new offices. On June 14, 1890, Thomas Marshall dedicated the building and it was formally handed over to the county commissioners from the contractor, Joseph F. Baker.

The cost of the building was $143,320.85, which included 2 million bricks, 2430 cubic feet of cut stone, and 508,000 pounds of iron in the floors, beams, roof and town. An additional 10,000 pounds of iron completed the stairs and window shutters. The dome is adorned by 1,160 square feet of copper and gutters.

Originally, there were 31 marbleized slate mantels. Black walnut lumber was used for the judge's bench, bar railing, stair hand rails, window casings, door frames, wainscoting and counters. An elevator was installed in August, 1959. The original hands on the four faces of the Courthouse dome clock were replaced in April 1969. Over the years, the Courthouse has seen many renovations. The most recent being in 2005 when the courthouse offices were restored to much of their original glory after the relocation of offices to the newly completed County government building.

February 16, 1979 the building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Courthouse was the first building in Whitley County to receive such a distinguished honor.

Whitley County Historical Museum

The Whitley County Historical Museum is housed in the beautiful former home of Thomas R. Marshall, who served as governor of Indiana and Vice President of United States. The home is filled with books, furniture, photographs, letters and other personal items of Thomas and Lois Marshall . Other museum artifacts are items from the Paleo Indians who once stalked mastodons on the Whitley County plains. Another notable item is a small cedar cup fashioned by the Pilgrims during the historic Mayflower voyage. The museum is located at 108 W. Jefferson Street in Downtown Columbia City .

Columbia City Notables

Lloyd Douglas, (1877-1951) native of Columbia City , author of "The Robe", "The Magnificent Obsession" and "The Big Fisherman" among other books Ralph F. Gates, (1981-1957) also native of Columbia City, Governor of Indiana (1945-1949) Thomas R. Marshall, (1854-1925), first Governor of Indiana (1909-1913), 28th Vice President of the United States (1913-1921) under Woodrow Wilson . Practiced law in Columbia City, IN.

Location & Population

Columbia City is conveniently located and easily accessible by land, air and rail. The proximity to major trade areas appeal to manufacturing and distribution centers. Columbia City is only 20 miles West of Fort Wayne, 120 miles north of Indianapolis , 150 miles east of Chicago and 175 miles south of Detroit . Population 7,077