Columbia bridge Civil War Fire started by local civilians under army orders consumes the western span of the Columbia Bridge on June 28, 1863, foiling Confederate plans to cross the Susquehanna River and capture Harrisburg, Pa. At 1¼ miles, the critical economic lifeline was at the time the longest wooden covered bridge in the world. (Columbia Bridge Burning by Bradley Schmehl ) Columbia Bridge Burning by Bradley Schmehl