The Ohio Statehouse

Title

The Ohio Statehouse

Subject

The Ohio Statehouse

Description

Marker Text:
The Ohio Statehouse

In 1812, the Ohio legislature designated Columbus as the state capital, with local landowners contributing land and resources for a capitol building and penitentiary. The first Columbus statehouse, a Federal-style structure completed in 1816, stood on the northeast corner of State and High streets. By the 1830s, the need for a more substantial structure was apparent. Cincinnati architect Thomas Walter won the 1838 capitol design contest, though the final design incorporated several designers’ ideas, including prominent Hudson River School artist Thomas Cole. Construction proceeded slowly between 1839 and 1861, weathering political fights, prison labor disputes, and a cholera epidemic. Interior work was sufficiently complete by January 1857 for the legislature to hold its first session in the new capitol. A National Historic Landmark, the Ohio Statehouse stands as one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture in America.

2003 by The Ohio Bicentennial Commission, Capital Square Review and Advisory Baord, and The Ohio Historical Society.

Files

ohiostatehouse.jpg
statehouse.jpg

Citation

“The Ohio Statehouse,” Teaching Columbus Historic Places, accessed April 20, 2024, https://teachingcolumbus.omeka.net/items/show/159.