As American as Columbus, Ohio
Everything to be found in post-colonial America can be found here in the State of Ohio’s Capital and largest city, Columbus.

Now the 15th largest city in the United States, Columbus was created in 1812 by the state legislature, and was settled as a borough in 1816. Several neighborhoods began as villages that actually pre-date the designation of the Capital, particularly Franklinton which was settled in 1797. President Thomas Jefferson created the refugee lands settlement and more central Ohio areas were settled by families moving from the northeast, such as the Merion family in 1809 to what today is known as Merion Village.

These many historic neighborhoods are rich in the Americana and folklore of the immigrants, pioneers and exiles who came here and lived varied lives of hard work and surprising riches. Germans settled south of town, German Jews nearby along Bryden Road and Livingston, and Hungarians further south and east. Italian and Irish Catholics and African-Americans settled north and east of Downtown. Russian Jews settled along Mt. Vernon. Wealthy families built mansions along Broad Street and Neil Avenue.

Architectural styles include: Romanesque, Neo-Classical, Gothic and Greek Revival, Queen Anne, Italianate, Four-Square, Arts & Crafts bungalow, and simple Brick Cottage. Many of these neighborhoods have their own historical commissions. All are now inside the boundaries of the City of Columbus.

Now inhabited by people who have a rich respect for their cultural and architectural legacy, these neighborhoods encircle the Downtown area and provide a strong foundation for this prosperous and developing metropolitan region of Central Ohio.

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