Located on the North Plaza (Broad Street)

The Ohio Bicentennial Commission, the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board, and the Ohio Historical Society created this marker in 2003 to commemorate the history of the Ohio Statehouse for the state's bicentennial celebration.


Ohio Historical Marker

THE OHIO STATEHOUSE

In 1812, the Ohio legislature designated Columbus as the state capital, with local landowners contributing land and resources for a capital 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.

THE OHIO BICENTENNIAL COMMISSION

CAPITOL SQUARE REVIEW AND ADVISORY BOARD

THE OHIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY

2003

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