50 Facts About Columbus Ohio

Founding and Early Development

Columbus, Ohio, has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. Its founding and early development set the stage for the vibrant city it is today.

1. Columbus was founded on February 14, 1812, by the Ohio legislature, named after Christopher Columbus.
2. The area was once dense forestland used primarily for hunting.
3. Frequent fevers and cholera outbreaks marked the city's early development, leading to the establishment of the Board of Health in 1833.
4. Columbus became the capital of Ohio in 1816, moving from Chillicothe.
5. The city of Franklinton, founded in 1797, was incorporated into Columbus in 1837, expanding its boundaries and population.

Transportation and Growth

Transportation infrastructure played a crucial role in Columbus's growth, connecting it to other major cities and facilitating commerce.

6. The National Road reached Columbus from Baltimore in 1831, connecting it to the Ohio and Erie Canal.
7. The first railroad arrived in Columbus in 1850, further stimulating development.
8. By 1900, Columbus's population exceeded 125,000, making it an important transportation and commercial center.
9. The Columbus and Xenia Railroad became the first railroad into the city in 1850.
10. By 1875, eight railroads served Columbus, and a new, more elaborate station was built.

Cultural Heritage and Influence

Columbus boasts a diverse cultural heritage, with significant contributions from various ethnic groups and historical events.

11. Columbus has two ethnic enclaves: the Irish settled in the north along Naghten Street, and the Germans established the Das Alte Südende (The Old South End).
12. The German population constructed numerous breweries, Trinity Lutheran Seminary, and Capital University.
13. By 1865, one-third of Columbus's population was German.
14. Columbus played a significant role in the Underground Railroad, with 22 stops within the city.
15. Residents like Fernando Cortez Kelton and Sophia Stone Kelton helped fugitive slaves escape to Canada.

Civil War and Historical Contributions

The city made notable contributions during the Civil War and has several historical landmarks that reflect its rich past.

16. During the Civil War, Columbus became a major staging area for Union forces.
17. The city manufactured thousands of blue uniforms for Union troops.
18. The Ohio Statehouse, completed in 1861, is a historic landmark and a symbol of the city's importance.
19. The Kelton House in Columbus served as a station on the Underground Railroad.
20. The Neil estate on Indianola Avenue played a role in the Underground Railroad.

Modern Attractions and Events

Today, Columbus is a bustling metropolis with a variety of attractions and events that draw visitors from near and far.

21. Columbus is home to various cultural attractions, including the McKinley Monument, Camp Chase Confederate Cemetery, and the Ohio Historical Center.
22. The city supports an art museum and a symphony orchestra.
23. Columbus maintains a large park system, featuring area reservoirs like Griggs, O’Shaughnessy, and Hoover.
24. Scioto Downs and Beulah Park offer horse racing events.
25. The annual Oktoberfest in the restored 19th-century German Village area south of downtown is a popular event.

Economic Growth and Development

Columbus has experienced significant economic growth over the years, attracting businesses and industries to the area.

26. Columbus experienced unprecedented industrial growth after 1940, with a large aircraft plant providing the initial stimulus.
27. Many branches of national companies were attracted to the area, contributing to the city's economic boom.
28. Between 1950 and 2000, Columbus pursued a policy of annexing adjacent land, increasing the city’s land area fivefold.
29. People of European ancestry have long constituted the majority of Columbus's residents, but the African American proportion of the population has steadily increased.
30. Columbus is the birthplace of fast food empires like Wendy’s and White Castle.

Notable Residents and Cultural Contributions

Columbus has been home to many notable residents who have made significant contributions to various fields.

31. Columbus is home to famous residents like R.L. Stine, author of the Goosebumps novels.
32. Celebrity chef Guy Fieri has contributed to the city's culinary landscape.
33. Arnold Schwarzenegger has a bronze statue downtown, celebrating his relationship with Ohio’s capital.
34. The first Wendy’s restaurant opened on East Broad Street in November 1969.
35. White Castle has been based in Columbus since 1933.

Geographic Significance and Accessibility

Columbus's central location makes it a strategic hub for transportation and commerce.

36. Forty-eight percent of Americans live within 600 miles of Columbus.
37. Major cities like Atlanta, Chicago, and New York City are less than a day’s drive away.
38. The city's strategic location near major transportation routes facilitated its growth.
39. Columbus's population nearly doubled between 1950 and 2000.
40. The city's central location in the state made it an ideal political center.

Historical Challenges and Resilience

Despite facing significant challenges, Columbus has shown resilience and adaptability throughout its history.

41. Columbus experienced two major cholera outbreaks, one in 1833 and another in 1849.
42. These outbreaks led to significant improvements in public health infrastructure, including the opening of Green Lawn Cemetery.
43. Frequent flooding was another historical challenge for the city.
44. The Treaty of Paris in 1763 made Ohio part of the British empire.
45. The area now known as Columbus was colonized by the French and was part of the French colonial empire.

Festivals and Recreational Activities

Columbus offers a variety of festivals and recreational activities that celebrate its diverse culture and history.

46. Columbus hosts various festivals throughout the year, including an arts festival in June, the state fair in August, and Oktoberfest in September.
47. The Columbus Zoo, located near Dublin, is one of the country’s most renowned zoos.
48. The Arnold Sports Festival, launched by Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1989, is one of the biggest fitness expos on Earth.
49. Alum Creek State Park north of the city is a popular recreational venue.
50. The Columbus Zoo is home to Colo, the world’s oldest captive gorilla, who lived there until her death in 2017.

Columbus: A Blend of History and Modernity

Columbus, Ohio, stands as a city rich in history, culture, and modern attractions. From its founding in 1812 to its role in the Civil War and the Underground Railroad, the city has a storied past. Its German heritage, seen in the breweries and German Village, adds a unique flavor. The Ohio Statehouse and Kelton House are just a couple of the historical landmarks that tell tales of the past. Today, Columbus thrives with vibrant festivals, a renowned zoo, and a bustling economy. Its central location makes it a hub for travel and commerce. Whether you're exploring its historical sites or enjoying modern amenities, Columbus offers a fascinating blend of the old and the new. This city truly embodies the spirit of growth and resilience, making it a captivating place to visit or call home.