Columbus, Ohio was founded in 1812 as a political center by the Ohio legislature and was named after the famous navigator Christopher Columbus. The state government moved to the city in 1816 from Chillicothe, and Columbus later absorbed the nearby settlement of Franklinton (founded in 1799). It is the capital of Ohio and is often referred to as “The Buckeye State”, due to its native horse chestnut trees. The city of Columbus is unique in that it is the largest city in the United States that elects its city council in general and not its districts.
In 1964, Geraldine Fredritz Mock, a native of Ohio, became the first woman to fly solo around the world, departing from Columbus and piloting the Spirit of Columbus. The clay from the mound was used to make bricks in most of the city's initial brick buildings; many of them were later used in the Ohio House of Representatives. Because the city lacks local, commuter, or intercity trains, Columbus is now the largest city and metropolitan area in the United States. Annual festivities in Columbus include the Ohio State Fair, one of the largest state fairs in the country, as well as the Columbus Arts Festival and the Jazz & Rib Fest.
The metropolitan area is home to the Battelle Memorial Institute, Chemical Abstracts Service, and Ohio State University. Ohio State University's Don Scott Airport and Bolton Field are other large general aviation facilities in the Columbus area. On the first weekend of June, bars in Columbus' North Market District host the Park Street Festival. Bicycling as a means of transportation is constantly increasing in Columbus due to its relatively flat terrain, intact urban neighborhoods, large student population, and off-road bike trails.
Demolition has been a common trend in Columbus for a long period of time and continues to this day. In the center of the city, there is a topiary depicting A Sunday Afternoon on La Grande Jatte Island in Columbus Topiary Park. Because of its central location in Ohio and abundance of exit roads, nearly every destination in the state is a two to three hour drive from Columbus. Columbus is also home to professional sports teams such as the Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL) and the Columbus Crew SC (MLS).
When Ohio achieved statehood in 1803, internal political strife between prominent Ohio leaders led to the state's capital being moved from Chillicothe to Zanesville and vice versa. From its rich history to its vibrant culture and bustling economy, there are many reasons why Columbus has become one of America's most beloved cities. From its world-renowned universities to its professional sports teams and annual festivals, there's something for everyone in this vibrant Midwestern metropolis. Whether you're looking for a place to call home or just visiting for a few days, you'll find plenty to love about this amazing city. From its diverse neighborhoods to its thriving arts scene and delicious cuisine, there's something for everyone here. So why not come explore all that Columbus has to offer?.
