Columbus, Ohio, was first settled in 1812, though it didn’t become a city until 1836. Over the years since then, it has grown to be one of the most important cities in the country. It’s also a great destination, whether you’re looking to go into business or start a family. To get a taste of the history of Columbus, you can visit several essential historic sites. Here are some of the best ones.
German Village
The German Village neighborhood is one of the most iconic parts of downtown. There’s no barrier between the more recent construction and the preserved historic area, so you’ll find a small German village structure settled next to a massive 20-plus-story building. The architecture in this neighborhood is notably mid-to-late 19th century in style, rather than being overtly Bavarian. While the specifics of people’s lives and jobs have certainly changed, residents still live similarly to their 19th-century counterparts, with close community ties and multifamily homes.
Kelton House Museum & Garden
If you’re interested in art, you may want to stop by the Kelton House Museum & Garden. Both the structures and the art date back to the late 19th century, so you’ll be surrounded by history when you arrive. Decorative arts were the specialty of the Kelton family, so you’ll find no shortage of impressive outdoor designs, including bushes, benches, and pavilions that highlight the perfect garden area. You can even learn about the history of the family and the house, which once served as a stop for the Underground Railroad.
Central Ohio Fire Museum
When you visit the Central Ohio Fire Museum, you can learn about what firefighting was like in the early 20th century. We know fire trucks to be motorized now, but that was just becoming a possibility during this fire station’s day. Before motorized fire trucks, the vehicles were horse-drawn. There were a few motorized fire trucks at this station, however, and you can examine the differences between them and the ones you know today. You can learn all about it by looking at the artifacts and replicas on display.
Thurber House
Between commercial and residential areas, you’ll find the Thurber House. This house is the historical home of famous writer and cartoonist James Thurber. Inside his home, you can get an idea of what early-20th-century living was like, as well as learn a great deal about the man himself. You’ll find artifacts from his past, and the local guides will be more than happy to share virtually endless stories about the writer’s life. If you visit during the summer, you may even find contemporary author readings held on the house’s front lawn.
With so much to interest visitors and travelers alike, the historic sites in Columbus, Ohio, present a positively rewarding experience. History only lasts for as long as we remember it, so take the time to learn about the historic areas in one of Ohio’s greatest cities and the important events that took place here.
Image via Pixabay.com by 12019
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