Guide Note

The Ohio state capital of Columbus is the state's largest city and is home to the United States' largest college, the Ohio State University. The city is located very near the center of the state, where the Scioto and Olentangy rivers meet. The eight counties that comprise the Columbus Metropolitan Area have a population of nearly two million; the city itself ranked 15th in the country in 2006 with a population of over 730,000.

Fast Facts

1. Country: United States
2. State: Ohio
3. County: Franklin, Fairfield, Delaware
4. Mayor: Michael B. Coleman
5. City population: 733,203 (2006)
6. Currency: U.S. dollar
7. Area code: 614
8. Time zone: EST

When Ohio became a state in 1803, the legislature decided the capital city should be located in the center of the state. Named after explorer Christopher Columbus, the city was founded on February 14, 1812.

Columbus was nicknamed "The Arch City" of the many metal arches that were put up on High Street. The 1920s construction boom resulted in a new Civic Center, Ohio Theatre, and Stadium. Columbus is also home to th Town and Country Shopping Center, which is considered to be one of America's first modern shopping centers. In the early 1990s Columbus became Ohio's largest city in both land area and population.

When planning a trip, please see the pages on a Columbus OH Vacation, Columbus OH Hotels and Columbus OH Restaurants