Columbia County Histories

This collection contains histories of Columbia County, New York. These histories provide crucial historical context that can help researchers uncover more records and develop a deeper understanding of their Columbia County ancestors. Information about individuals can be found as well—many of the volumes include biographical sketches, illustrations, lists of county officers, and other details of the people that lived in the county.  

Searches entered from this page will query all volumes in the collection. Read below for detailed information on the contents of each volume and links to browse.

Collection Category: County Histories|Collection Type: OCR|Location: Columbia County

History of Columbia County, New York, With Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers

One primary purpose of this history, according to its authors, is to detail the county’s “gradual development from the original wilderness, and through the maturing stages of its existence.” The book focuses on the narrative history of the county as well as “the privations, the virtues, the piety, patriotism, and enterprise of her people.” 

The digital file is text searchable—searches entered from this page will query the full text of the volume. The images can also be browsed by clicking the waypoint links below.

Sections include:

This book was written and published by Everts & Ensign in 1878.

Civil list of Columbia County and Official Hand-book, 1786–1886

This work contains lists of the names of Columbia County government officials between 1786 and 1886, making it an excellent resource for those researching individuals who held official positions in local government. It also contains histories of several municipalities in the county. 

The digital file is text searchable—searches entered from this page will query the full text of the volume. The images can also be browsed by clicking the waypoint links below.

Sections include:

This book was compiled and published by R.M. Terry and J.W. Prentiss in 1885. 

A History of Hillsdale, Columbia County, New York, A Memorabilia of Persons and Things of Interest, Passed and Passing

This volume is a detailed history of Hillsdale, Columbia County, New York. Researchers will find family histories, accounts of early settlers, religious denominations and their founders, and much more. 

The digital file is text searchable—searches entered from this page will query the full text of the volume. The images can also be browsed by clicking the waypoint links below.

Sections include:

This book was compiled by John Francis Collin and edited by H.S. Johnson in 1883.

 

Suggested citations for this collection:

New York Genealogical and Biographical Society, “Columbia County Histories” digital images, New York Genealogical and Biographical Society, (www.newyorkfamilyhistory.org), 2020.