I have lived in Ohio all my life and even work in downtown Columbus, yet the last time I actually toured the Ohio Capital Building, except for today, was when I was in grade school myself. (Just a few short years ago for those doing the math).
I forgot just how cool it was and all the history we have here in Ohio. Today, my kiddo and his Boy Scout troop visited the Ohio Statehouse Building for their first time.
I know they were so excited to learn about the state in which they live on a day other than a school day 🙂
The tours are free, last about one hour and start in a location called the map room (love the name). Kiddo choose to stand in Franklin County.
Fun Fact #1: The city of Chillicothe was Ohio’s first capital.
Our tour guide walked us along the underground as she shared many facts about the building itself and the many tidbits of history.
Most of their questions were about the rumored ghosts that occupy the capital and Abe Lincoln’s casket.
Fun Fact #2: The building was erected with free labor by the prisoners in the Ohio Penitentiary in Columbus.
We are walking …. walking …… walking.
Soon we made our way through the Rotunda and then to the Ohio Senate room.
Fun Fact #3: Most of the fixtures were once gas lite and have been converted over to electric. The scouts had many questions of their own about the Senate Room.
Is the Eagle real?
Why is the eagle painted gold?
Why are there phones on each desk?
Who gets to sit in the big chair on the stage?
When are we going to our next stop on this tour?
I will say what I did not truly appreciate as a kiddo myself was all the beautiful paintings and artwork.
Fun Fact #4: Ohio has the only American state flag that is not a rectangle.
In addition, the great Seal of Ohio can found throughout the building. From looking up in the Rotunda to the fixtures on the staircases.
And we are walking …. walking … walking.
Once we returned back to the map room, we completed our tour with some souvenir shopping at the Statehouse Museum Shop.
Will you take a tour of your statehouse?
I’ve never toured there! The pictures look amazing! 🙂
Thanks Julia. It really was neat. My kiddo actually told me a fun fact and when I asked where he had learned that, he told me I would have learned it to if I was paying attention during the tour. LOL.
LOL Lisa!! Funny how I had to be a little older to truly appreaciate all the cool history about our capital building. And I so bet DC would be da bomb!!!
History is my mostest favoritest (I said I love history, not grammar) I super love that this was built by inmates, very good use of labor. I would love to tour our capitol in Austin and a visit to DC would be the bomb!!!