The city of Columbus, Ohio has a long and storied history as one of the most prominent cities in the state of Ohio. It is located on the Scioto River in Franklin County in central Ohio. It is the most populous city in Ohio and is also the state capitol.
Until the 1700s, Native Americans lived in the area undisturbed. European traders began to explore the region in the 18th century due to their interest in the fur trade there. The first permanent settlement by white explorers in the area was established in 1797 by a surveyor named Lucas Sullivant and was named Franklinton.
In 1812 the state capital was planned and named after the explorer Christopher Columbus. It became the state capital in 1816. As a major port city, the growth of Columbus was fueled by the establishment of major transportation facilities in the area. In 1832 the Ohio Canal was completed, followed by the National Road arriving in Columbus in 1833 and the railroad in 1850.
During the Civil War, Columbus was an important staging point for the Union Army. One of the biggest prisons in the North for Confederate prisoners of wars called Camp Chase was located west of Columbus. Following the war, the economy in Columbus continued to boom. The metropolitan areas became one of the largest manufacturing centers of horse-drawn carriages.
By the start of the 20th century, the population of Columbus was more than 125,000 people. It continued to enjoy booming economic growth. Although most of the city’s infrastructure was damaged by the 1913 Scioto River flood, Columbus recovered and saw unprecedented growth in the 1940s. A major aircraft plant ushered in this stimulus and was followed by many national companies moving to the area. The city of Columbus, OH continued to grow larger as it continued to annex adjacent land from 1950 through 2000.
In addition to its diverse economy, Columbus is also ethnically diverse and a leading center of educational and artistic institutions and activities. The city is comprised of a diverse population of whites, African Americans and a vibrant German American community. It is home to major universities, medical centers, and museums.