Columbus

Columbus is the state capital of Ohio and sits where the Scioto and Olentangy rivers meet, spreading across Franklin, Delaware, and Fairfield counties. The city forms a dense core of tall buildings, residential neighborhoods, parks, and a grid of roads that extends in every direction over the central flatland.

The state legislature chose this site in 1812 to build a new capital, moving the government from Chillicothe to a planned location along the river. From that beginning, the settlement grew steadily and evolved from a small administrative town into a major urban center in the Midwest.

Residents gather in neighborhood markets, attend performances at theaters across the city, and fill parks on weekends with families and friends enjoying open spaces. The downtown streets come alive in the evening, with people moving between restaurants, bars, and music venues that reflect a community invested in arts and social life.

Buses connect the downtown area with neighborhoods and the airport, while most areas are easily accessible by car and parking remains widely available. Streets are flat and straightforward to navigate, though traffic can become heavier during weekday rush hours.

The largest university campus in the state occupies a large portion of the city and brings tens of thousands of students into the streets, shops, and venues around it. On game days, the entire district fills with people heading to the sports facilities, turning the surrounding area into a temporary festival.

Location: Franklin County

Location: Delaware County

Location: Fairfield County

Inception: 1812

Elevation above the sea: 275 m

Shares border with: Bellefontaine, Bexley, Whitehall, Upper Arlington, Minerva Park, Worthington, Westerville, New Albany, Dublin, Hilliard, Grove City, Groveport, Reynoldsburg, Gahanna, Grandview Heights, Marble Cliff, Obetz, Riverlea

Address: Columbus, OH, USA

Website: https://columbus.gov

GPS coordinates: 39.96222,-83.00056

Latest update: December 14, 2025 21:13