Ten fun facts about Columbus

1. The City of Columbus, Ohio: The Arch City

The city of Columbus, Ohio was once known as the "Arch City" due to the sheer number of arches that lined High Street. This nickname was given to the city in the late 1800s, when the arches were first constructed. The arches were built to commemorate the city's centennial celebration and were made of brick and stone. The arches were a popular attraction for visitors and locals alike, and they remain a symbol of the city's history and culture today.

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2. The First Pedal Powered Aircraft: A Columbus Legend

In 1907, a fourteen year old from Columbus, Ohio, made history when he built a pedal powered blimp and took it on a test flight around the city. The ambitious young inventor pedaled the blimp himself, making him the first person to ever fly a pedal powered aircraft. His remarkable feat was a major milestone in the history of aviation, and a testament to the ingenuity of the people of Columbus.

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3. A Historic Start: Columbus' First Cargo Flight

In 1910, the airport of Columbus, Ohio, was the final destination for the very first cargo flight. The Wright brothers had an exhibition pilot fly two packages of silk from Dayton to Columbus, making it the first ever cargo flight. This historic event marked the beginning of a new era of transportation, and the airport of Columbus was the proud recipient of the first ever cargo flight.

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4. The Union's Columbus Base during the Civil War

During the Civil War, Columbus served as a major Union Army base, housing more than twenty thousand troops and detaining over nine thousand Confederate prisoners. This strategic location was essential to the Union's success, as it allowed them to maintain a strong presence in the region and keep the Confederate forces at bay.

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5. The Buggy Capital of the World

At one point in time, Columbus was known as the "Buggy Capital of the World". This was due to the fact that there were around two dozen buggy manufacturers operating in the city. These buggy manufacturers produced a variety of buggies, ranging from light, two-wheeled carriages to four-wheeled carriages with a variety of features. The buggies were used for a variety of purposes, from transportation to leisure activities. The buggy industry was an important part of the economy of Columbus, and it was a major source of employment for many of the city's residents.

6. Struggle for Ohio: The Ohio Co. History

The Ohio Company, led by George Washington, was commissioned to survey the Ohio Country, which would later be named Columbus. This area was highly contested, and the struggles over its ownership ultimately led to the Seven Year War in Europe. This conflict was a major event in world history, and it all began with the Ohio Company's survey of the Ohio Country, which would eventually become the city of Columbus.

7. Columbus, Ohio: A City of Readers

Columbus, Ohio is a city of readers! According to a recent study, Columbus ranks as the fifth most literate city in the United States, with a literacy rate of 94.2%. This means that the majority of the population is highly literate, with a large percentage of the population having a college degree or higher. This is great news for the city, as it shows that the citizens are well-educated and have a strong appreciation for reading.

8. The Best Place to Raise a Family in America: Columbus, Ohio

Columbus, Ohio has been ranked as one of the top ten cities to live in America by CNN Money, and Business Week has even gone so far as to name it the best place to raise a family in the United States. With its low cost of living, diverse economy, and abundance of cultural and recreational activities, it's no wonder why Columbus is so highly regarded. From its thriving arts and music scene to its excellent public schools, Columbus offers something for everyone, making it an ideal place to live and raise a family.

9. A bustling city with a population of 711,470 people

Columbus, Ohio is a bustling city with a population of 711,470 people, according to the 2000 census. This population is spread across 301,534 households, making it one of the most populous cities in the United States. With its diverse population, vibrant culture, and numerous attractions, Columbus is a great place to live and visit. From its world-class museums and galleries to its vibrant nightlife, Columbus has something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a place to call home or just a place to explore, Columbus is the perfect destination.

10. Diverse A Look at the City's Racial makeup

Columbus is a city with a predominantly white population, with 67% of the population identifying as white and 27% identifying as black. This is a stark contrast to the racial makeup of the United States as a whole, where the white population is estimated to be around 60%, and the black population is estimated to be around 13%. Columbus is a diverse city, with a variety of ethnicities and cultures represented in its population.