Exploring the History of Columbus, Ohio through Interdisciplinary Government Information Resources

Abstract

Columbus has a rich history and a fascinating past. Once known as the Ohio Country, then part of the Virginia Military District, it eventually became the third—and the permanent—capital of the state in 1812, even though it was not officially chartered as a city until 22 years later. Named for Christopher Columbus, the city’s central location, both within the state and along key waterways, made it ideal as a destination for immigrants moving toward westward settlements and as a transportation hub to support manufacturing and commerce. During the Civil War, Columbus was a major base for the Union Army. Eventually it became the location of what is now The Ohio State University, one of the nation’s greatest educational institutions. Using government information resources, this poster session will highlight key elements of Columbus’s evolution from its earliest days to the present. The session will provide insight into the city’s history, demographics, industry, architecture, and culture —and much more—to demonstrate the value of U.S. government publications in examining the legacy of a single city in the context of the transformation of the U.S. from a fledgling nation to the country it is today.