The Dungeons

Columbia's first Market House was constructed in 1814 and was divided into two sections: one section to house the market and the other was used as a town hall and school room. Extending the width under the front, or the Third Street side, of the building is the "dungeon" a long narrow passageway with seven cells on one side where prisoners were kept for, according to record, not more than three days. Each cell was said to contain a cot, a bench, a bucket of water to wash in, and another for toilet purposes. The borough stopped using the dungeon due to dysentery reasons. In the early days of automobile travel , when speeding was anything over 20 miles per hour, Constable Campbell flagged down one 20 miles per hour offender and had him slowed down to zero in a choice cell. Upon interrogation discovered the indignant prisoner was none other than Thomas Alva Edison, famed inventor of electric lighting, electric car and phonograph. Tours are available during market hours or by reservations by calling (717)572-7149