Columbia City is a small community in northeast Indiana, covering an area of 5.21 square miles. It has a population of 10,086 as of July 1st 2022. Columbia City serves as the seat of Whitley County.
It is generally unknown who the first official settler in the region was, but it is thought to be a man named Asa Shoemaker, who settled at Big Spring Creek in what is now Columbia Township in 1837.
Columbia City was founded in 1839, one year after the formation of Whitley County. It was originally called “Columbia,” but in 1854, a desire rose to have the post office and city conform in their name. The post office at the time was known as “Whitley Court House,” as there was another Columbia in the state. A public debate presented many potential names for the city, but it was eventually reduced to two; “Beaver,” in honor of a noted Native American whose reservation took up much of the nearby area, and “Columbia City.” In the end, the name was decided to be Columbia City by three votes.
Columbia City would remain a very small town until the completion of the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne, & Chicago Railway in 1856. This and other roadways completed later into the city caused a rapid growth in population, attracting businesses and settlers. From 1860 to 1875, the population tripled.
Columbia City’s population would continue to grow over the coming years into the present day, as businesses came into the area. Over the years, Columbia City has been known for the production of different things, such as automobile parts and plastics, and was at one time the largest producer of blue jeans in the world. Throughout the years, Columbia City has maintained a relatively stable economy, and remains a great place to find a job.
Columbia City officially became an Indiana City in 1888, which is now depicted on their city flag. The flag also has a colored image of the City Seal which shows its agricultural roots as well as the singular goal of always being a fair and just community. It is on display in the Common Council Chambers as well as in the Mayor’s Office, both in City Hall.
Columbia City rests within 25 miles of Fort Wayne, Indiana, making it a great place for companies to do business.
Columbia City is a fast-growing community. In the last 15 years, it’s added almost 1800 people, which is a 20% population growth!