Columbus offers cultural activities for every range of interests.
Although the city of Columbus wasn't discovered by white settlers in the late 1700's, the central Ohio region was the home of a number of cultures for centuries beforehand. By 1812, when the state capital was built, most of the Native Americans had been displaced, but their legacies still live on in Columbus' many historic areas.
The pioneer spirit is a strong one in Columbus, and for a long time, Ohio was considered the last outpost on the frontier. By the time the National Road arrived in the city in the 1830's, it became quite apparent to everyone that Columbus had established itself as not only a center for government, but also for transportation and industry.
Today, visitors to central Ohio can enjoy the excitement and turmoil of days gone by, simply by visiting some of the city's truly unique museums and historic landmarks.
The Ohio Historical Society Museum is open year-round, and offers some fascinating exhibits portraying Ohio's history. Starting from the time of the Hopewell and Adena tribes and moving up to the twentieth century, guests can get a feel for the geological and cultural changes that the Ohio area has seen over the past few millennia. An impressive collection of artifacts are on display, ranging from arrowheads to jewelry to pottery. Visitors can also stop in the gift shop and pick up their very own statue of "Adena man" to take home.
Adjacent to the Historical Society is Ohio Village. Once open to the public daily, this living history exhibit is now only available for special events, thanks to recent budget cuts. The Village usually opens up on holidays and for school tours, and includes blacksmiths, soldiers, and other costumed interpreters, demonstrating what life was like during Civil War-era Ohio. In the fall, the Village is the home of the Muffins, a vintage baseball team that plays with the equipment and uniforms of the late 1800's.
Columbus was also the site of one of the North's few Civil War prison camps. Located on the city's Westside, Camp Chase was the home of thousands of southern prisoners during the four years of war. Over two thousand of them never made it home, and the Camp Chase cemetery is a moving reminder of the tragedy of war. The rest of the camp is now the neighborhood known as Westgate, but the cemetery is still in place, and - like most of Ohio's cemeteries -- can be visited during daylight hours. Rumor has it that the cemetery is haunted by a mysterious lady in gray. Although there has been some speculation as to her identity, no one has been able to confirm who she is, only that she visits the grave of a young soldier named Benjamin Allen.
The Ohio Statehouse is located right in the middle of downtown Columbus, and 45-minute tours are available on the hour. Although construction began in 1839, the building wasn't actually completed until 1861. Many of the major political figures of the era spent time at the Statehouse - including Abraham Lincoln, whose funeral train made a stop there so over fifty thousand mourners could pay tribute. Visitors to the Statehouse today can learn about the building's history, architecture, and the entire legislative process. The Statehouse is handicapped-accessible, and very accommodating for tour groups of any age.
The Kelton House Museum was originally the home of Fernando Kelton and his wife, Sophia, and their seven children. Built in 1852, the grand Victorian house is now the home of the Columbus Junior League, and operates as a museum. Visitors can see what it would be like to live as a well-off merchant in the Midwest during the late 1800's. Portraits of the Kelton family and elaborate furnishings decorate the home, drawing guests back in time. As a stop on the Underground Railroad, the Kelton House Museum is one of Columbus' most beautiful historic landmarks.
If your taste in museums runs more to the more contemporary rather than the traditional, be sure to check out the Center of Science and Industry (COSI). Despite recent funding cutbacks, COSI offers visitors a chance to get hands-on with the human body, cool gadgets, outer space, and the mysteries of deep-sea life. Through the September of 2005, COSI is hosting an exhibit dedicated to the legendary Titanic, featuring over 300 artifacts recovered from the ocean floor. In addition, a complete life-sized recreation of the ship's glorious Grand Staircase graces the 15,000 square foot exhibit. Visitors can experience, through an audio tour, what it was like for passengers on that unforgettable night of April 14, 1912.
The Columbus Museum of Art, located right in the middle of downtown, features a number of rotating exhibits, ranging from the classical and traditional to the more contemporary. Displays include work by local artists, such as Aminah Robinson, and focusing on Ohio's Decorative Arts. In addition, recognition is given to the masters with exhibits like Renoir's Women and Selections from the Carnegie Museum.
For those who prefer their museums fast and furious instead of classical and quiet, no visit to central Ohio is complete without seeing the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum in nearby Pickerington. Beginning in March 2005, the Hall of Fame Museum will host an exhibit dedicated to Motocross America, celebrating the history and evolution of one of the country's most popular sports. In addition to the Motocross exhibit, displays include BSA's Greatest Daytona, which celebrates the fiftieth anniversary of the BSA company's legendary 1954 win at the Daytona 200 race.
Whether you're just passing through on your way to somewhere else, coming to town for business or pleasure, or even if you already live here, Columbus offers cultural activities for every range of interests. From Civil War cemeteries to art museums to motocross history, Columbus has museums and historical attractions for everyone in your family to enjoy.
