The first pioneers to settle in this area arrived in the early 1800s. Most of these families were from England hence the original name of this community was English Corners.  This name was changed to Columbus in 1850, when the local post office opened. Why the name Columbus ? Unfortunately this has never been documented. However we do know that by the 1850s Columbus was a thriving Village  with four churches, a school, and a number of shops. There was also alot of industry which made the village prosperous. These businesses included a tannery , a flour mill, two asheries, and a woolen mill. There were also four hotels to support all the travellers passing through and doing business in Columbus. Columbus is not as busy a place as it once was however it is still a valued part of the fabric of rural Oshawa.