Columbus

the capital city of the state of Ohio. It is situated on the Scioto River, at the geographical center of the state. The site is a level river plain. The general plan of the city is that of a Maltese cross, extending east and west seven miles; north and south, eight miles. These arms are traversed by two main thoroughfares, High Street and Broad Street, intersecting each other at right angles in the center of the city. They are planted with avenue of shade trees. At their intersection is a magnificent park of ten acres, called Capitol Square. The capitol building itself is a two-story structure surrounded by a colonnade of Doric columns, extending from the pavement to the roof. It is built of native gray limestone, and cost in the neighborhood of $3,000,000. With additions, it covers nearly three acres. The site of Columbus was selected in 1810; the city was surveyed in 1812; and the capital was removed thither from Chilicothe in 1816. Among other public institutions, the state university, a state hospital for the insane, schools for deaf mutes, blind, and imbecile, as well as the state penitentiary, are located here.

Though designed as a residence city, Columbus has developed into a large manufacturing and distributing center. There are eighteen railroads. One of the largest carriage factories in the United States is located here. In all about $40,000,000 is invested in steel plants, iron works, and the manufacture of carriages, automobiles, trucks, cars, watches, furniture, cash registers, farm implements, hosiery, medicines, and other articles of merchandise. The annual output is considerably over $100,000,000. Columbus lies within the gas belt. The city is piped. Natural gas is used for heating, cooking, and manufacturing. An abundant supply of soft coal is found in the vicinity. The present population is about 150,000.