Columbus, Indiana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Columbus, Indiana
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The Robert N. Stewart Bridge (foreground), with the Bartholomew County Courthouse and First Christian Church visible in the background
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| Nickname(s):
"Athens on the Prairie"
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| Motto(s):
"Unexpected. Unforgettable"
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 Columbus, Indiana
Location in Indiana
Columbus, Indiana
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
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| State |  Indiana |
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| County | Bartholomew | ||
| Townships | Columbus, Clay, Flat Rock, Harrison, Wayne | ||
| Founded | 1821 | ||
| Incorporated (town) | 1864 | ||
| Incorporated (city) | 1921 | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 28.75 sq mi (74.47 km2) | ||
| • Land | 28.41 sq mi (73.59 km2) | ||
| • Water | 0.34 sq mi (0.88 km2) | ||
| Elevation | 627 ft (191 m) | ||
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 50,474 | ||
| • Density | 1,776.44/sq mi (685.90/km2) | ||
| Time zone | UTC−5 (EST) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) | ||
| ZIP Codes |
47201–47203
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| Area codes | 812 and 930 | ||
| FIPS code | 18-14734 | ||
| GNIS feature ID | 2393609 | ||
Columbus, Indiana, is a lively city in the United States. It's the main city of Bartholomew County. In 2020, about 50,474 people lived here. Columbus is famous for its amazing buildings and public art. Many modern architects have designed structures in the city since the mid-1900s. The yearly program, Exhibit Columbus, celebrates this special history.
The city is about 40 miles south of Indianapolis, near the White River. It's the 20th largest city in Indiana. Columbus is also home to Cummins, a big engine company. Magazines like Nick Jr. Family Magazine and GQ have praised Columbus. In 2008, National Geographic Traveler called it "authentic, unique, and unspoiled."
Contents
- The Story of Columbus
- What Makes Columbus Work? (Economy)
- Exploring Columbus's Landscape (Geography)
- People of Columbus (Demographics)
- Art and Culture in Columbus
- Sports and Fun in Columbus
- Parks and Outdoor Activities
- Getting Around Columbus (Transportation)
- Famous Faces from Columbus
- Learning in Columbus (Education)
- Images for kids
- See also
The Story of Columbus
Columbus began in 1820 when General John Tipton bought land. He built a log cabin near the White River. The area was once a swampy valley. The first name for the town was Tiptona, after General Tipton.
How Columbus Got Its Name
On March 20, 1821, the town's name changed to Columbus. General Tipton then left the area. He later helped build a highway from Indianapolis to Louisville. He even created the first bypass road around Columbus. Joseph McKinney helped plan the town. For many years, people thought Tipton donated the land. But in 2003, a document showed he had sold it.
Early Growth and Railroads
A ferry crossing was important for early settlers. A small village grew around it. In 1821, Bartholomew County was formed. It was named after General Joseph Bartholomew. Columbus became a town in 1864 and a city in 1921.
The first railroad in Indiana reached Columbus in 1844. This helped the town grow quickly. By 1850, three more railroads served the city. This made Columbus a major center in Indiana.
Famous Buildings and Landmarks
Columbus has many historic buildings. The Crump Theatre, built in 1889, is Indiana's oldest theater. It is part of the Columbus Historic District. The Cummins Bookstore, which closed in 2007, was Indiana's oldest continuously running bookstore.
The Irwin Union Bank building, from 1954, is a special landmark. It was designed by Eero Saarinen. This building was different from old, grand banks. It used glass walls and an open design to make customers feel welcome. It became a National Historic Landmark in 2001.
What Makes Columbus Work? (Economy)
Columbus has a strong history of manufacturing. Companies like Noblitt-Sparks Industries once made radios here. Today, Cummins is the biggest employer in the area. They make engines and have many research jobs in the city.
South of Columbus, you'll find the North American headquarters for Toyota Material Handling. This company makes forklifts and is the largest in the world for this type of equipment.
Columbus is also famous for its architecture. J. Irwin Miller, a leader at Cummins, started a special program. The Cummins Foundation helps pay for many architectural projects in the city. This allows new architects to design amazing buildings. In the early 1900s, Columbus even had car manufacturers like Reeves. They made unique cars like the Octoauto and the Sextoauto.
Exploring Columbus's Landscape (Geography)
Columbus is where the Driftwood and Flatrock Rivers meet. These two rivers combine to form the East Fork of the White River. The city covers about 27.886 square miles. Most of this area is land, with a small part being water.
Columbus Weather
Columbus experiences a variety of weather throughout the year. Here is a look at the average temperatures and rainfall:
| Climate data for Columbus, Indiana (1991–2020) | |||||||||||||
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| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 38.6 (3.7) |
42.9 (6.1) |
53.5 (11.9) |
65.6 (18.7) |
74.9 (23.8) |
83.1 (28.4) |
86.1 (30.1) |
85.4 (29.7) |
79.7 (26.5) |
68.0 (20.0) |
54.4 (12.4) |
42.9 (6.1) |
64.6 (18.1) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 30.0 (−1.1) |
33.3 (0.7) |
42.7 (5.9) |
53.9 (12.2) |
64.0 (17.8) |
72.7 (22.6) |
75.7 (24.3) |
74.4 (23.6) |
67.6 (19.8) |
55.8 (13.2) |
44.1 (6.7) |
34.6 (1.4) |
54.1 (12.3) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 21.5 (−5.8) |
23.7 (−4.6) |
31.9 (−0.1) |
42.2 (5.7) |
53.0 (11.7) |
62.2 (16.8) |
65.4 (18.6) |
63.3 (17.4) |
55.4 (13.0) |
43.6 (6.4) |
33.8 (1.0) |
26.2 (−3.2) |
43.5 (6.4) |
| Average precipitation inches (mm) | 3.42 (87) |
2.91 (74) |
3.78 (96) |
5.00 (127) |
4.99 (127) |
5.31 (135) |
4.54 (115) |
3.48 (88) |
3.21 (82) |
3.39 (86) |
3.60 (91) |
3.71 (94) |
47.34 (1,202) |
| Average snowfall inches (cm) | 5.9 (15) |
4.5 (11) |
1.8 (4.6) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.1 (0.25) |
4.0 (10) |
16.3 (40.85) |
| Source: NOAA | |||||||||||||
People of Columbus (Demographics)
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1850 | 1,008 | — | |
| 1860 | 1,840 | 82.5% | |
| 1870 | 3,359 | 82.6% | |
| 1880 | 4,813 | 43.3% | |
| 1890 | 6,719 | 39.6% | |
| 1900 | 8,130 | 21.0% | |
| 1910 | 8,813 | 8.4% | |
| 1920 | 8,990 | 2.0% | |
| 1930 | 9,935 | 10.5% | |
| 1940 | 11,738 | 18.1% | |
| 1950 | 18,370 | 56.5% | |
| 1960 | 20,778 | 13.1% | |
| 1970 | 26,457 | 27.3% | |
| 1980 | 30,614 | 15.7% | |
| 1990 | 31,802 | 3.9% | |
| 2000 | 39,059 | 22.8% | |
| 2010 | 44,061 | 12.8% | |
| 2020 | 50,474 | 14.6% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In 2020, Columbus had a population of 50,474 people. The average age was 36.2 years. About 24.1% of residents were under 18 years old. Also, 16.1% of residents were 65 years or older.
Most people (98.4%) lived in urban areas. Only a small part (1.6%) lived in rural areas. There were 20,566 households in Columbus. About 31.8% of these households had children under 18.
Columbus is a diverse city. Here's a look at the different groups of people living here in 2020:
| Race | Number | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| White | 37,561 | 74.4% |
| Black or African American | 1,552 | 3.1% |
| American Indian and Alaska Native | 197 | 0.4% |
| Asian | 5,228 | 10.4% |
| Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander | 31 | 0.1% |
| Some other race | 2,431 | 4.8% |
| Two or more races | 3,474 | 6.9% |
| Hispanic or Latino (of any race) | 4,851 | 9.6% |
Art and Culture in Columbus
Columbus is famous worldwide for its modern architecture and public art. J. Irwin Miller, a former leader of Cummins, started a special program. The Cummins Foundation helps pay for architects' fees for public buildings. This is why so many famous architects have designed buildings here.
This unique program earned Columbus the nickname "Athens on the Prairie." National Public Radio has even featured the city's architecture. In 2015, Landmark Columbus was created to continue this tradition.
Famous Buildings to See
Columbus has many buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Seven buildings are National Historic Landmarks. These were built between 1942 and 1965. About 60 other buildings show off the city's modern architecture.
Some famous landmarks include:
- First Baptist Church: Designed by Harry Weese in 1965. It has a high-pitched roof and skylight.
- First Christian Church: Designed by Eliel Saarinen in 1942. It has a tall tower and a large sanctuary.
- Irwin Union Bank: Designed by Eero Saarinen in 1954. It was one of the first banks with glass walls and an open design.
- Mabel McDowell School: Opened in 1960, designed by John Carl Warnecke.
- Miller House and Garden: Built in 1957, designed by Eero Saarinen. It's a rare home design by Saarinen.
- North Christian Church: Designed by Eero Saarinen, opened in 1964. It has a unique hexagonal shape and a tall spire.
- The Republic Newspaper Office: Designed by Myron Goldsmith at SOM.
Other notable modern buildings include:
- St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, by William Browne Jr. and Steven Risting
- Cleo Rogers Memorial Library, by I. M. Pei
- Columbus East High School, by Romaldo Giurgola
- Commons Centre and Mall, by César Pelli
- St. Peter's Lutheran Church, by Gunnar Birkerts
- Lincoln Elementary School, by Gunnar Birkerts
- Otter Creek Golf Course, by Harry Weese
- Fire Station Number 4, by Robert Venturi
- Columbus Regional Hospital, by Robert A.M. Stern
Historic buildings include:
- Bartholomew County Courthouse by Isaac Hodgson
- Columbus Power House by Harrison Albright
- The Crump Theatre by Charles Franklin Sparrell
Public Art Around Town
Columbus has many amazing public art pieces. You can find sculptures and installations all around the city. Some famous works include:
- Chaos I by Jean Tinguely
- Friendship Way by William A. Johnson
- Irwin Gardens at the Inn at Irwin Gardens
- Large Arch by Henry Moore
- 2 Arcs de 212.5˚ by Bernar Venet
- Horses by Costantino Nivola
- The Family by Harris Barron
- Yellow Neon Chandelier and Persians by Dale Chihuly
- C by Robert Indiana
- Sermon on the Mount by Loja Saarinen and Eliel Saarinen
- History and Mystery by William T. Wiley
- Exploded Engine by Rudolph de Harak
- Eos by Dessa Kirk
Exhibit Columbus: Celebrating Design
In 2016, Landmark Columbus started Exhibit Columbus. This program keeps the city's design traditions alive. It features events like symposiums and exhibitions every year.
Sports and Fun in Columbus
Columbus has a rich sports history. Chuck Taylor, famous for his shoes, played basketball here. He later promoted basketball and his shoes, becoming a Hall of Famer.
The city has two high schools with competitive sports teams: Columbus North High School and Columbus East High School. Columbus North High School has one of the largest high school gyms in the United States. Local teams like the Indiana Diesels (basketball) and Indiana Sentinels (hockey) also play here.
Parks and Outdoor Activities
Columbus offers over 700 acres of parks and green spaces. There are also more than 20 miles of "People Trails" for walking and biking. The Columbus Parks and Recreation Department manages these areas.
You can enjoy places like Donner Aquatic Center, Lincoln Park Softball Complex, and Hamilton Center Ice Arena. In May 2021, the former Fair Oaks Mall became NexusPark. This new area is being redeveloped into a health, wellness, and recreation campus.
Getting Around Columbus (Transportation)
Public Transit and Roads
ColumBUS provides bus service in the city. It has five routes that run Monday through Saturday. Major roads include U.S. Route 31 and Interstate 65. Indiana Route 46 also runs through the southern part of the city.
Railroads and Airport
Freight train service is handled by the Louisville and Indiana Railroad (LIRC). Columbus is also planned to get a new Amtrak station.
The Columbus Municipal Airport (KBAK) serves the city. It handles many flights each year, mostly for general aviation. For commercial flights, the nearest airport is Indianapolis International Airport (IND), about 55 miles away.
Famous Faces from Columbus
Many notable people were born or have lived in Columbus. Here are a few:
- Ross Barbour and Don Barbour, singers in the Four Freshmen
- Michael Evans Behling, actor
- Clessie Cummins, founder of Cummins engines
- Tyler Duncan, golfer
- Lee H. Hamilton, former member of U.S. Congress
- Jamie Hyneman, former host of MythBusters
- Scott McNealy, co-founder of Sun Microsystems
- J. Irwin Miller, industrialist and CEO of Cummins
- Mike Pence, former Governor of Indiana and Vice President of the United States
- Tony Stewart, famous auto racing driver and team owner
- Chuck Taylor, shoe designer
Learning in Columbus (Education)
The Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation (BCSC) manages local schools. High schools include Columbus East High School and Columbus North High School.
Columbus also has a public library, part of the Bartholomew County Public Library system. For higher education, there's Indiana University Columbus (IU Columbus), an Ivy Tech campus, a Purdue Polytechnic campus, and an Indiana Wesleyan University education center.
Images for kids
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Cummins Corporate Office Building in 2008
See also
In Spanish: Columbus (Indiana) para niños
- The Republic, daily newspaper based in Columbus
- List of public art in Columbus, Indiana
- Columbus, a 2017 American film set in Columbus, Indiana
