Drive Through History: Hidden Hamlets

Columbia County is made up of one city, four villages and eighteen towns, but tucked among them are lesser-known hamlets with their own fascinating origin stories and civic identities. As the County took shape during the 18th and 19th centuries, settlements sprang up around river landings, rail stops and mill sites on fast-flowing streams. Some survived the test of time, while others faded into history, got swallowed up by larger towns, or were rechristened with new names.

From Blue Stores to Buckleyville, from Cheviot to Smokey Hollow, this tour explores some of Columbia County’s smaller communities, past and present. If you’ve ever dreamed of being a history detective, grab your road map and come along for the ride!