For the first time, Columbia now allows people to stay overnight in one of its historic homes, built between 1850 and 1867.

The home was built by William Hougentogler, who served in the Civil War and then returned to Columbia where he continued his life as an architect and builder. He built homes in Baltimore, Philadelphia and Columbia. His newly renovated 3,000-square-foot home in Columbia has three floors, 12 rooms, original lights, woodwork, a slate fireplace and 14-foot ceilings.

After Hougentogler built an adjoining home for his in-laws, his only daughter married, and the home then became the home and medical practice of Dr. Gardiner P. Taylor, for whom the Taylor School was named.

The home is being called Freedom Home to honor the historic river town's role in history, both its early attempt to become the nation's capital, losing by one vote, and its role in helping free slaves heading North. Former slave Stephen Smith designed and built false bottom railcars and false side train cars to hide slaves so they could board in Columbia and go through Harrisburg and Philadelphia to crossings in upstate New York.

The river town of Columbia was founded by evangelist and entrepreneur John Wright in 1726. His mansion along the river is still preserved and offers tours with information about local history.

The borough has approved the use of the circa 1867 Hougentogler home for use by Discover Columbia to host guests overnight in order to spread awareness of the town's role in history. Other notable owners were Charles Taylor, the Columbia postmaster and Columbia phone secretary, 1930; Cleon Berntheizel, a state representative and state senator, 1935; and the Deitrich family, 1940s. It was also previously the Jonal Gallery, a gallery home for practicing artists and live music and theater.

For more information about the Freedom Home, visit http://www.discovercolumbia.com or email hello@discovercolumbia.com.