Columbus is the state capital and the most populous city in the U.S. state of Ohio. With a 2020 census population of 905,748, it is the 14th-most populous city in the U.S.

When Ohio obtained its statehood in 1803, Columbus hadn’t been built yet. Chillicothe, a modest city on the Scioto River, was the original state capital. The seat of government temporarily moved to Zanesville in 1810 before Chillicothe regained its capital city status three years later.

In 1810, Ohio’s general assembly voted to choose a new, permanent capital. The lawmakers agreed that whichever locale they picked would have to lie within 40 miles of the state’s geographic center. Columbus become the state capital.

The very first Wendy’s restaurant opened on East Broad Street in November 1969. Today, the franchise is headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus. The burger chain White Castle has been based in Columbus since 1933.

Established in 1876, the North Market is a 145-year-old vibrant public market made up of Ohio's best independent merchants, farmers, and makers. It is a favorite of both locals and visitors as the market houses more than 30 vendors selling prepared Midwestern and international foods, fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and beer. It is a great place to get food for a party or picnic.

Columbus has lots of bookstores, the biggest is the Book Loft, one of the nation’s largest independent bookstores with 32 maze-like rooms of books. Be sure to visit the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum, which houses the world’s largest collection of materials related to cartoons and comics.

Simone Biles (Gymnast) is from Columbus. A bronze statue of action star and former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is located downtown and celebrates his relationship to Ohio’s capital.

The Ohio State University Buckeyes play at legendary Ohio Stadium. Capable of seating 100,000 fans, it's America’s fourth-largest on-campus college football facility.

There are 20 Metro Parks in Columbus and Franklin County featuring more than 230 miles of trails and more than 28,400 acres of land. Quarry Trails Metro Park is the newest Metro Park that opened in November 2021 and features a 25-foot waterfall. Located in the heart of downtown Columbus with more than 175 acres of lush parkland stretching along the Scioto River, the Scioto Mile is one of the most popular areas to get outdoors.

Red, White & BOOM! is the largest fireworks display in Ohio and one of the biggest in the entire midwest! Columbus, Ohio is a great place to live.