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Secrets in the Cellar: The Ghosts and Legends of the Columbia Market House Dungeon

  • adamzurn
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    A few weeks ago, I enjoyed a private tour of the infamous dungeon below the Columbia Market House by none other than Chris Vera. Vera, a name synonymous with the preservation of Columbia‘s history, is the president of the Columbia Historic Preservation Society and the chair of the Zion Hill Cemetery restoration project. He is also the manager of the Columbia Market House. He provided some insights and anecdotes, along with general information about this historic structure.

    General History

    The Columbia Market House was constructed in 1869 on an earlier 1814 open-air market site, making it one of Pennsylvania’s oldest Market Houses. Planning began a year earlier, spearheaded by the superintendent for the Reading and Columbia Railroad, Robert Crane. Five years earlier, on June 28, 1863, Crane was the first to apply the torch to the mile-long covered bridge between Columbia and Wrightsville as Confederate forces led by Lee approached the Susquehanna River towns. His prompt action saved Columbia and a large portion of Lancaster County.

    📷: Columbia Historic Preservation Society

    Crane formed a dedicated market house council, which marked the genesis of this ambitious project, with plans swiftly moving from blueprint to reality. The architectural mastery of Isaac Hobbs and Samuel Sloan breathed life into the structure with Michael Liphart’s skilled craftsmanship in building.

    One of the most striking features of this historic market house is its interior, defined by the expansive use of arched Howe trusses. These cross-braced wood trusses, enhanced with iron tension rods, are a rarity in building architecture. They were, however, a popular design element in railroad bridges during the 1860s.

    Arched Howe trusses visible along the ceiling.

    What sets the Columbia Market House apart in its era is the funding model—a project undertaken by the Columbia Borough, contrasting sharply with the privately funded market buildings common at the time.

    The grand opening of the Market House on September 17, 1869, marked the end of a 13-month construction project. At its zenith, the market house, with its impressive dimensions of 118 feet in length and 80 feet in width, housed 180 stalls within and an additional 37 outside under a protective roof.

    Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the Columbia Market House is its dungeon.

    Dungeon

    What started as a storage area for farmers beneath the Columbia Market House morphed into something entirely different by the late 19th century. The Borough, adapting to the needs of the time, converted the basement of this iconic building into a series of municipal jail cells. Among them was a notably stark cell, entirely clad in steel and devoid of windows, designed for maximum security.

    This converted space, often called the “dungeon,” is situated beneath the front section of the building along Third Street. It’s a long, narrow corridor housing seven cells on one side. According to historical records, these cells were temporary holding spaces, with prisoners generally not staying more than three days. Each cell’s sparse furnishing—a simple cot, bench, and buckets for washing and sanitary purposes—reflects the austere conditions of the time.

    The existence of this dungeon provides a window into a different aspect of life in 19th-century Columbia. In those days, Columbia was a bustling industrial hub characterized by its 23 bars, 28 hotels, and a lively railroad station. This vibrancy, however, also brought with it excesses, particularly in the form of alcohol consumption, leading to numerous instances of people enjoying a little too much of the town’s offerings.

    High Constable Campbell, a figure woven into local lore, was known for his no-nonsense approach to dealing with unruly individuals. Keen to avoid disruption in the bustling market house, he employed an unconventional method of escorting prisoners to the dungeon. Instead of parading them through the market, he would slide them down into the cells through half-moon grates at the front of the building.

    Drunks were the most common inhabitants of these cells, many of which would stay a few days, learn their lesson, and be released. Other occupants included robbers, murderers, and ladies of ill repute. The woman would be housed in a separate cell from the men.

    Celebrity Visitors

    At least two famous people have involuntarily spent the night in the renowned river town underground lockup.

    First was heavyweight boxer John L. Sullivan. Often referred to affectionately as “John L.” by his legion of fans, Sullivan earned the moniker “Boston Strong Boy” from an enthralled press. He reigned supreme as the Heavyweight Champion in bare-knuckle boxing from 1882 to 1892, etching his name in the annals of sports history. But Sullivan’s prowess extended beyond the bare-knuckle realm; he was also the inaugural heavyweight champion in gloved boxing, showcasing his versatility and dominance in the sport.

    Sullivan’s impact on boxing and sports at large was monumental. He wasn’t just a boxer; he was arguably the first boxing superstar, a trailblazer who set new standards in the world of sports. His remarkable achievements and magnetic personality made him one of the highest-paid athletes of his time, a testament to his unparalleled skill and marketability.

    But Sullivan’s fame extended beyond his earnings and titles. His career was a catalyst in the birth of sports journalism in the United States. The extensive newspaper coverage of his bouts and career milestones didn’t just document his journey; it laid the groundwork for how sports, particularly boxing, were covered not just in America but internationally. This marked a significant shift in journalism, with Sullivan’s bouts providing a template for future sports reporting.

    Sullivan visited Columbia several times for boxing exhibitions. During an ill-fated visit in 1893, his overindulgence of alcohol led to a state of intoxication so severe that Constable Campbell deemed it necessary for him to sober up overnight in the city’s underground cells.

    A year later, Sullivan’s return to Columbia was met with a noticeable change. A Lancaster New Era article dated January 24, 1894, observed a marked improvement in his demeanor. “His eye was clear, and his walk was steady and sprightly. His general appearance is much better than a year ago,” the newspaper noted.

    January 24, 1894 issues of the Lancaster New Era

    This transformation indicates Sullivan’s conscious effort to avoid another encounter with Constable Campbell and the dungeon.

    The second celebrity visitor was a famous inventor. In the pioneering era of car travel, when exceeding 20 miles per hour was considered speeding, Officer Campbell stopped a driver for going too fast and detained him in a cell. During questioning, they realized the detained individual was none other than Thomas Edison, known for his contributions to electric lighting, electric vehicles, and the phonograph.

    Eventually, a man running for county government visited the dungeon in 1896. He likened the underground lockup to the “Black Hole of Calcutta,” notorious for its appalling conditions and terrible stench. This grim comparison eventually led to the dungeon’s closure by the Board of Health in the early 1900s.

    Dungeon Hauntings

    Despite the closing of the dungeon, it appears that some souls have refused to leave. With its haunting past, this enigmatic site has become a focal point for those fascinated by the supernatural. The eerie tales that shroud this dungeon are not just remnants of history but are continually woven into the fabric of the present by those who dare to explore its depths.

    Vera’s deep involvement with the Columbia Market House and the dark dungeon below has led to personal encounters with the unexplainable, lending credibility to the ghostly legends surrounding this place.

    One chilling experience Vera shared involved a sinister manifestation in the dungeon. He and his brother witnessed a terrifying phenomenon — a black mass that seemed to defy the laws of nature, crawling up the wall and stretching across the ceiling. This dark, amorphous entity then began to advance down the hallway towards them, its intent unknown. The encounter was so intense that it sent Vera and his brother fleeing upstairs, seeking refuge from the unnerving presence.

    The dungeon’s spectral residents are not limited to nameless shadows. One of the most frequently mentioned ghosts is Andrew, said to eternally pace through the dungeon walls, perhaps a reflection of his restless spirit. The nature of his existence and the story behind his haunting remains shrouded in mystery, adding to the enigmatic aura of the dungeon.

    The ghost of “Big John.”

    Another ghostly inhabitant identified by a local psychic is “Big John.” Legend has it that “Big John” met a tragic and violent end within these very walls, murdered in his cell by unknown assailants. His spirit is said to linger in the dungeon, perpetually searching for those responsible for his demise. The story of “Big John” adds a layer of tragic intrigue to the already chilling atmosphere of the dungeon.

    Phantom specters aren’t limited to the inside Market House dungeon. The ghost of a little ghost who wanders the alley has been spotted numerous times. If you try to approach her, the shy apparition disappears around the corner. Click here to read more.

    For paranormal enthusiasts and history buffs alike, the Columbia Market House and its dungeon offer a unique glimpse into the intersection of history and the supernatural. The experiences of Vera and others serve as a bridge between the past and the present, allowing us to explore the mysteries of what lies beyond. These ghostly tales remind us that some aspects of history refuse to be forgotten, echoing through the corridors of time in the most unexpected ways.

    Legends of Lancaster

    Planning Your Trip

    Columbia Market House is a vital center for fresh produce, specialty foods, and community experience. Established in 1869 to connect citizens and farmers, the Market has returned with a year-round farmers market, restaurant, and event space. It is home to an extensive array of delishish fresh-made meals, farm fresh produce, baked goods, meats, candy, and crafts. The market is open Saturdays from 7 am to 3 pm. The Columbia Market House is located at 15 S. Third St., Columbia, PA 17512. Click here to visit their website.

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    Resources

    Veterans Memorial Bridge opens to the public

    Veterans Memorial Bridge from the Lancaster County side.

    On September 30, 1930, the Columbia–Wrightsville Bridge, officially called the Veterans Memorial Bridge, opened to the public. It is considered the longest concrete arch bridge in the world and will begin a 79 million restoration project in 2025. Click here to read more.

    Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge destroyed by Cedar Keys Hurricane in 1896

    Photograph of the third bridge after being destroyed. Notice the iron spans are still standing in the middle. 📷: LancasterHistory.

    On September 29, 1896, the Cedar Keys Hurricane ripped through Central Pennsylvania with gale-force winds and torrential rain. The storm that had begun as a Category 3 Hurricane hammered Columbia, PA, destroying the Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge. It was so powerful that it swept the bridge from the piers, with some of the pieces landing near the iron furnaces south of Marietta. The 1869 bridge was the third to span the Susquehanna at Columbia. Click here to read more.

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