Columbus, Ohio, has a long and illustrious history that dates back to the 19th century. It was named after Christopher Columbus, the Italian explorer who is credited with discovering America. The city's founders chose this name to symbolize the spirit of exploration and discovery. Columbus has had many aliases over the years, including Cowtown and Cbus.
Arch City, a nickname from the 1890s, comes from the construction of arches on the city's main streets. These arches provided power for the city's new electric streetcars. In September 1831, Columbus connected to the Ohio and Erie canals via an eleven-mile secondary channel. This connection helped to spur economic growth in the area and made it a hub for trade and commerce. In the early 20th century, Ohio elementary schools taught from kindergarten to tenth grade and only 7 percent of Columbus students earned their high school diplomas.
In addition, at the end of the 19th century there were two colleges in Columbus: Ohio State University and Capital University. Today, Columbus has a rich German influence that dates back to the 19th century, when Germans settled in what is now known as the German Village, just south of downtown Columbus. Whether you're exploring downtown, immersing yourself in the arts, or enjoying local flavors, Columbus is sure to captivate your heart and leave you with indelible memories. Ohio State University is one of the largest and most renowned universities in the country. Known for its academic excellence and energetic sports programs, Ohio State is a pillar of the Columbus community and a source of pride for Buckeye fans. The Columbus Blue Jackets, a member of the National Hockey League, the Columbus Crew, the city's professional soccer team, and the Columbus Clippers professional baseball team, provide residents with additional entertainment opportunities. Columbus is proud to be home to several unique monuments worth exploring.
The Ohio House of Representatives is a masterpiece of architecture and a symbol of Ohio's rich history. Columbus Rose Park and Topiary Park feature living sculptures inspired by George Seurat's famous painting “A Sunday at La Grande Jatte”. In 1970, Arnold Schwarzenegger won a weightlifting contest in Columbus among several better-known athletes and told event organizer Jim Lorimer: “When I retire from bodybuilding, I'll be back and you and I will host a major bodybuilding competition right here, every year”.The city also has an interesting connection to primates. Their parents, Millie and Mac, were monkeys caught in the wild from Cameroon who had been sent to Columbus in 1951. According to city records in the 1880s, Columbus had more than fifty churches and approximately six hundred taverns.
As you would expect from a capital city, Columbus became a center for learning and social activities in the 19th century. The Ohio State Legislature chose the name Columbus for its capital on February 20th 1812. Today this vibrant city continues to be an important center for exploration and discovery.
