Ohio Statehouse, Legislative building in Downtown Columbus, United States
The Ohio Statehouse is a legislative building in downtown Columbus constructed with limestone facades and a central colonnade in Greek style. Above the columns rises a rotunda that receives daylight through a round opening in the ceiling and floods the interior with natural light.
Construction began in 1839 and ended only in 1861 after several architects had taken turns and fires as well as lack of money had delayed completion. The finished building became the permanent seat of the legislative assembly of the state of Ohio.
The name refers to the assembly that has met here for more than 160 years to pass laws for the state. Visitors today still see the original seats and desks in the chambers where representatives and senators carry out their work.
The Museum Education Center organizes free guided tours through the rooms where visitors learn how the government works. The tours last about an hour and are also available on weekdays when the chambers are not in session.
The heating system was developed in the mid-19th century by architect Nathan Kelley and used steam to warm all rooms. This system shows how early government buildings in North America adopted technical innovations and adapted them to cold winters.
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