Population

2010: 787,033, #15 in U.S., #1 in Ohio

1950: 375,901, #28 in U.S.

2010 Metropolitan Area: 1,836,536, #32 in U.S.

1950 Metropolitan Area: 503,410, #36 in U.S.

Unlike most other large cities in the Midwest and Northeast, Columbus has been growing for the past 60 years, as the city annexed much of the land that surrounded it.

Setting

Columbus, in the middle of the state, was established in 1812 to be the state capital. It is located at the confluence of the Scioto and Olentangy rivers. Battelle Riverfront Park is along the river, and the Scioto Mile riverfront park opened in July 2011. Columbus State Community College is just east of downtown.

Buildings

Tallest building: Rhodes State Office Tower, 629 feet (1973)

List of tallest buildings

There is an observation area on the 41st floor of the Rhodes State Office Tower, across the street from the Ohio Statehouse (1857).

Stores

Columbus has no downtown department stores. The Lazarus store in the City Center mall closed in 2004, and the Macy's store in the mall closed in 2007. The mall itself, which had opened in 1989, was closed in 2009.

Trains

Amtrak has no service to Columbus.

Museums