Named after Christopher Columbus, the city of Columbus was planned in 1812 as a political center by the Ohio Legislature. The opening of the Erie Canal in 1831 and the Cumberland Road from Maryland in 1836 spelled a period of massive growth for Columbus. The first railroad arrived in the city in 1850, further hastening the city's growth. Columbus was a major staging area for Union forces during the American Civil War. Camp Chase, which was one of the largest facilities for Confederate prisoners of war, was built in Columbus. The city continued to enjoy tremendous growth after the Civil War, becoming one of the nation's major manufacturers of horse-drawn vehicles. By 1900, the city's population had exceeded 125,000, and it had also become a major commercial center and transportation hub. The arrival of a large aircraft plant in 1940 began another phase of industrial growth in the city. Many national companies either moved their headquarters to the city or opened regional offices. The agreement on a policy of annexing adjacent land saw the city's land area increase fivefold between 1959 and 2000. An increase in the land area also led to an increase in population, and by 1970, it had become Ohio's largest city.

Grab a Beer and Food
As Ohio's foodie hub, you can find just any food you can think of in Columbus. Engaging in a fast before stepping into Columbus might be wise as the places to eat and cuisines to try in the city are endless. Grab fresh seafood and craft cocktails at The Pearl in Water Street Tampa. Give in to your burger cravings by visiting The Thurman Cafe in German Village. Indulge in the best breakfast tacos and slow-roasted pork sandwiches at Katalina in Harrison West. Head to Dirty Frank's Hot Dog Palace on 4th Street to devour one of the vegetarian hot dog combos, 40 beef or vegan.

Interested in food shopping? Head to the famous North Market in the Short North neighborhood, where local merchants sell their produce and goods. You can also patronize weekly farmer's markets in almost every neighborhood between April and November.

Looking to step down your food with something a little strong? You are in luck; Columbus also has a budding brew scene. The city is home to over 50 breweries, with more than half opened in the last five years. Interested in getting prizes for drinking? The easiest way to get involved is through the Columbus Ale Trail. Simply pick up a beer book at a participating brewery, and every beer purchase made at a new place leads to you getting a stamp. Once you get stamps, you can get prizes. Great, isn't it?

⁠Attend a Sports Match
While the city is home to several professional teams, college football receives the most support from locals. This isn't hard to fathom as Columbus is home to the world-renowned Buckeyes. The Buckeyes games bring the whole city together. Known as "the shoe" among locals, the Buckeyes' home ground, Ohio State Stadium, is filled with locals in their white and red uniforms on matchdays, and the buzz is usually evident city-wide. Professional teams in the city include Columbus Blue Jackets (hockey), who play their home games at the Nationwide Arena. Other teams are Columbus Crew SC (soccer) and The Columbus Clippers (baseball).

⁠Attend a Festival
There's always something to celebrate in Columbus. Nearly every other weekend in summer and fall, the city host's a big festival. Columbia has a festival to celebrate everything you can think of celebrating. Join over 300 commercial exhibitors at the Ohio State Fair, where you can enjoy live music, livestock shows, carnival rides, and over 200 food vendors. Join residents to dress up in funny costumes as they celebrate the "liberty & lunacy of Freedom of Speech" at the Doo Dah Parade yearly on the fourth of July. Experience the most impressive fireworks show in Ohio with over 400,000 other spectators at the Red White & Boom. Don't miss the three-day Columbus Pride Festival and Parade, which entails a drag contest, a parade, pride brunch, and music. Other festivals celebrated in the city include Oktoberfest, Columbus Arts Festival, Breakaway Music Festival, and Obetz Zucchinifest.