Born Feb. 14, 1812, Columbus has grown from a simple settlement to Ohio’s largest city over 213 years.
Franklinton, named after Benjamin Franklin, was the first permanent settlement in central Ohio, according to a Columbus Rotary presentation. Founded in 1797 by Lucas Sullivant, it was located at the confluence of the Scioto and Whetstone rivers, the latter now known as the Olentangy River. It predates Ohio, which achieved statehood in 1803, and Columbus, which developed around the settlement.
“When Franklin County was first established, it went all the way to Lake Erie,” said Michael Frush, treasurer of the Columbus Landmarks Foundation and president of the Columbus Historical Society. “Shortly after that, even in 1803, other counties were carved out of Franklin County, but if you’re looking for really early history of the northern part of the state, you may have to go to Franklin County records.”
So here’s to another 213 years for our home town, we call Columbus!