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The map above shows part of Columbus in 1836. What new buildings were created in Columbus in the early 1800s? What do you notice about the lot sizes as you move further east (right) from the corner of High Street and Broad Street? What explains this difference?
Source: Franklin County Engineer
CHAPTER 1. EARLY SETTLEMENTS, 1797-1830
SECTION 3. A CREATED CAPITAL CITY
In this chapter, you have learned about a few diverse groups living in the area that is now Columbus. Lucas Sullivant and others who settled Franklinton were white settlers from Kentucky. Arthur Boke, Jr. was African American. They lived among people of different Native American nations.
Other white settlers arrived in this area in the early 1800s. They came from a different regions than Franklinton's settlers. In this section, you will learn about settlers from Nova Scotia and Connecticut, and why people from throughout Ohio came to the new state capital.
Other white settlers arrived in this area in the early 1800s. They came from a different regions than Franklinton's settlers. In this section, you will learn about settlers from Nova Scotia and Connecticut, and why people from throughout Ohio came to the new state capital.
THE REFUGEE TRACT
Before Columbus became a city, the area was called the Refugee Tract. There were some settlements in the Refugee Tract by the early 1800s. Like Franklinton, these early settlers lived near water. It was important to have water for farming. David and Margaret Nelson settled along Alum Creek in the late 1790s. They built a log cabin and sawmill. Further east, Robert Taylor built a home along Walnut Creek in 1807. Those who settled along Walnut Creek named the area Truro Township, after their former home in Truro, Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia is part of Canada, which was part of the British Empire at that time. Why was this area called the Refugee Tract? Click here to begin your History Investigation of this question.
WORTHINGTON
Worthington, Ohio was founded in 1803. This village was settled by James Kilbourne and others from Connecticut. Just like Franklinton's settlers, Worthington's first residents took actions to promote the common good in their community. Education, religion, and democracy were very important to people of Connecticut. So, it is not surprising that Worthington settlers started churches, schools, and libraries were started within the first few years.
A NEW CAPITAL CITY
In order to make and enforce laws, states must form a government. Laws promote order and security, provide public services, and protect the rights of people. The legislature (called the Ohio General Assembly) makes laws. The Governor leads the executive branch in Ohio. The executive is responsible for enforcing laws (make sure they are followed). The judicial branch interprets laws and gives penalties to people who do not follow the laws.
Ohio became a state in 1803. A capital is where the government offices of a state are located. Chillicothe was the first capital of the state. The capital then moved to Zanesville in 1810. In 1812, the capital moved back to Chillicothe. At this time, the state government decided to look for a permanent capital near the center of state.
Many cities wanted to be the capital. This would bring more people to the city, and lead to more businesses. Four men from Franklinton offered land to the state on the east side of the Scioto River. Their offer was accepted, and Columbus became the permanent capital city in 1812. The new capital was named Columbus after Christopher Columbus. There was no city or town in Columbus when it became the capital. It was created to be the capital. Like Franklinton had once been, this side of the river was wilderness area.
Ohio became a state in 1803. A capital is where the government offices of a state are located. Chillicothe was the first capital of the state. The capital then moved to Zanesville in 1810. In 1812, the capital moved back to Chillicothe. At this time, the state government decided to look for a permanent capital near the center of state.
Many cities wanted to be the capital. This would bring more people to the city, and lead to more businesses. Four men from Franklinton offered land to the state on the east side of the Scioto River. Their offer was accepted, and Columbus became the permanent capital city in 1812. The new capital was named Columbus after Christopher Columbus. There was no city or town in Columbus when it became the capital. It was created to be the capital. Like Franklinton had once been, this side of the river was wilderness area.
A GROWING CITY
In 1812, Columbus was laid out in rectangle grid. The next year, the first state prison was completed. By 1814, Columbus had its first church, school, and newspaper. The Ohio General Assembly met for the first time in Columbus in 1816. In 1824, Columbus became the county seat for Franklin county. A county seat where county government offices are located.
Many people come to Columbus for government business. They needed places to stay and eat meals. Soon, hotels and restaurants were opened to meet this need. William Neil opened the Neil House Hotel. Neil also owned most of the stagecoach lines in Ohio. Stagecoaches were horse-drawn carriages used to carry passengers across long distances. Stagecoaches ran on a regular schedule with scheduled stops.
By 1830, there were 2,435 people living in Columbus. While early settlers lived along rivers, more people settled in the downtown area after Columbus became a city. In the early 1800s, people had to get to work by walking, horseback, or horse and buggy. Most people wanted to live near the center of the city so they could get to work easier. House that were more than five or six blocks from the center of the city at Broad and High Street would be considered "in the country."
Many people come to Columbus for government business. They needed places to stay and eat meals. Soon, hotels and restaurants were opened to meet this need. William Neil opened the Neil House Hotel. Neil also owned most of the stagecoach lines in Ohio. Stagecoaches were horse-drawn carriages used to carry passengers across long distances. Stagecoaches ran on a regular schedule with scheduled stops.
By 1830, there were 2,435 people living in Columbus. While early settlers lived along rivers, more people settled in the downtown area after Columbus became a city. In the early 1800s, people had to get to work by walking, horseback, or horse and buggy. Most people wanted to live near the center of the city so they could get to work easier. House that were more than five or six blocks from the center of the city at Broad and High Street would be considered "in the country."