Columbus

Columbus

General Information
Name	City of Columbus
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Settlement Type	City
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Columbus is the state capital and the most populous city in the U.S. state of Ohio. It serves as the administrative center for Franklin County, although parts of the city also extend into Delaware and Fairfield counties. Founded in 1812 at the confluence of the Scioto River and Olentangy River, Columbus was named for the explorer Christopher Columbus. It has since grown into a diverse city with a strong economy based on education, government, insurance, banking, defense, aviation, food, clothes, logistics, steel, energy, medical research, health care, hospitality, retail, and technology.

History

Columbus was chosen as the state capital in 1812 due to its central location within Ohio and its proximity to major transportation routes, primarily rivers. The city was designed from the outset to be the state's capital, with a layout that included broad streets and specific areas designated for public buildings and commercial activities. The Ohio Statehouse was completed in 1861 and remains a central figure in the city's landscape.

Geography

Columbus is located in Central Ohio on the relatively flat Allegheny Plateau, surrounded by small rivers and tributaries that contribute to the Scioto River. The city has a total area of 223 square miles, of which 217 square miles is land and 6 square miles is water.

Demographics

As of the most recent census, Columbus has a diverse population with a significant number of residents identifying as White, African American, Asian, and Hispanic or Latino. The city is also home to a large immigrant population, particularly from Somalia, Nepal, and Mexico, which contributes to its cultural diversity.

Economy

The economy of Columbus is diverse, with no single industry employing more than 10-15% of the workforce. Major sectors include education, government, insurance, banking, fashion, defense, aviation, food, logistics, steel, energy, medical research, health care, and technology. The city is the headquarters for several major corporations, including Nationwide Insurance, American Electric Power, and L Brands.

Culture

Columbus is known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous theaters, museums, and music venues. The Columbus Museum of Art and the Wexner Center for the Arts are key cultural institutions. The city also hosts several annual events and festivals, such as the Columbus Arts Festival and the Ohio State Fair.

Education

Columbus is a major educational hub, home to The Ohio State University, one of the largest universities in the United States. Other institutions of higher education include Columbus State Community College and Franklin University.

Infrastructure

The city has a well-developed transportation network that includes major highways, a public transportation system managed by the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA), and several airports, including John Glenn Columbus International Airport.

Government

Columbus has a mayor-council form of government, with a mayor elected for a four-year term and a seven-member city council. The city is also the seat of government for the state of Ohio.

See also

• List of people from Columbus, Ohio
• Columbus City Schools
• Parks in Columbus, Ohio

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