The capital city of the state of Ohio, founded at the confluence of the Olentangy and Scioto Rivers in 1812, is named after Spanish conquistador Christopher Columbus, but owes its historical roots to Native American societies that inhabited the land long before European settlers set up shop there. Mound St pays tribute to the ancient tribes that once lived here in the vast forests that covered the land until the city was settled.
The first groups of European settlers to arrive were largely Irish and German, with the Germans opening the first kindergarten in the United States. Modern-day Columbus has some distinct neighborhoods aside form the historical Irish and German quarters, with the Short North District playing the role of hipster enclave with its galleries and pubs. Victorian Village is so named due to the large number of historical homes found there, and the German Village still stands on its own as the biggest privately funded area in the National Register of Historic Places.
Being the state capital of Ohio, there are a number of landmarks to be seen throughout the city. The Ohio statehouse is an impressive structure leaning heavily towards the styles used in Washington. The Columbus Museum of Art has a respectable collection of early Modernist art both from close to home and from European masters. The city is also home to some beautiful public gardens, as well as a zoo and aquarium.
Highlights
The Ohio Statehouse: the preeminent landmark to be found in downtown Columbus, the statehouse symbolizes the prosperity of the state capital.
Columbus Museum of Art: the principal art gallery in Columbus was opened in 1931 and its collection focuses on Occidental styles up to the Modernist period.
Inniswood Metro Gardens: a group of public gardens for strolls, picnics and relaxation.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium: the zoo is tended to by nature program host Jack Hanna, and keeps many exotic animals such as cheetahs, manatees and kangaroos.