Capitol Square facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Capitol Square
Public square
View of Capitol Square looking northeast
Features:	Lawns, sculptures, state capitol building
Completion:	1861
Area:	10 acres (4.0 ha)
Location:	Broad and High Streets (Downtown Columbus)

Capitol Square is a large public area in Downtown Columbus, Ohio. It includes the Ohio Statehouse, which is the main building for Ohio's government. The square also features its beautiful 10-acre grounds and many other buildings around it.

The Capitol Grounds are bordered by Broad and High Streets. These have been important roads since Columbus was founded. The grounds are also next to 3rd Street on the east and State Street on the south. The Ohio Statehouse is the oldest building here. It sits right in the middle of Capitol Square, Columbus, and even Ohio!

History of Capitol Square

The land for the statehouse, about 10 acres, was given by four important landowners from Franklinton. This land was meant to be the new state capital.

In the middle of the 1900s, some buildings in downtown Columbus were torn down. But then, in the 1970s and 80s, many new buildings were constructed. This filled up almost all the empty spots again. There are still a few empty areas on 3rd Street. Plans are being made to develop these in the 2020s.

What You Can Find at Capitol Square

Capitol Square is a busy and important part of Columbus. It has many interesting buildings, artworks, and places to visit.

Buildings and Structures

A view of Columbus in 1872, looking northeast.

The square facing southeast in 1893.

Capitol Square facing northwest in 1936.

At the very center of Capitol Square is the Ohio Statehouse. This is where the state government works. It also includes the Capitol Atrium and the Senate Building.

Many other important buildings surround the square:

• Along High Street: You'll find the Vern Riffe Center for Government and the Arts, which is a government building. There are also bank buildings like the Huntington Center and the Huntington National Bank Building.
• Along Broad Street: This street has several commercial buildings. These include the Broad & High building, 8 on the Square, and the Rhodes State Office Tower. You'll also see some older buildings like the New Hayden Building and the Hayden Building.
• Along Third Street: Here you can find the Trinity Episcopal Church. There are also more bank buildings, like the PNC Bank Building.
• Along State Street: This side of the square has the Sheraton Columbus Hotel at Capitol Square. You can also see the Capitol Square skyscraper and the historic Ohio Theatre.

At the corners of the square, you'll find other notable buildings:

• Northwest corner: One Columbus Center
• Northeast corner: Chase Tower
• Southwest corner: National Exchange Bank building
• Southeast corner: U.S. Post Office and Courthouse

Public Art and Memorials

Capitol Square is home to several interesting sculptures and memorials. These artworks tell stories about Ohio's history and important people.

• The Doughboy (1930): This statue honors soldiers from World War I.
• Ohio Holocaust and Liberators Memorial: A place to remember the victims of the Holocaust.
• Ohio Veterans Plaza: This area honors all military veterans from Ohio.
• Statue of Christopher Columbus (Pelzer): A statue of the explorer Christopher Columbus.
• The Spirit of '98: This artwork represents the spirit of the Spanish-American War.
• These Are My Jewels (1893): This sculpture features important figures from Ohio's history.
• William McKinley Monument: A monument dedicated to William McKinley, a former U.S. President from Ohio.

Visiting Capitol Square

Capitol Square is a very popular spot in downtown Columbus. Many people who live in the city and visitors come here. You can take a special tour called the Columbus Art Walk's Capitol Square tour. This tour shows you historical buildings, cool sculptures, and other important landmarks around the square. It's a great way to learn about the area's history and art.

Events and Gatherings

Capitol Square is often a place where people gather for different events.

Protests and Demonstrations

The square is a common location for people to hold protests and demonstrations. People come here to share their opinions on important issues. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, people gathered to express their views on public health rules. Other times, large groups have gathered to speak out about social justice issues. These gatherings show how people can use public spaces to voice their beliefs and try to bring about change.