Construction proceeded slowly between 1839 and 1861, weathering political fights, prison labor disputes, and a cholera epidemic. Interior work was sufficiently complete by January 1857 for the legislature to hold its first session in the new capitol. A National Historic Landmark, the Ohio Statehouse stands as one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture in America.

This slavery element is a durable element of discord among us “we shall probably not have perfect peace in this country with it until it either masters the free principle in our government, or is mastered by the free principle.” On September 16, 1859, Abraham Lincoln addressed a small crowd from the east terrace of the Statehouse. In his first Ohio speech, Lincoln repeated his conviction that “a house divided against itself cannot stand” and took issue with Democrat Stephen Douglas’ concept of “popular sovereignty.”

Published and widely circulated as an addendum to the Lincoln-Douglas Debates, Lincoln’s Columbus speech helped stake a firm position for the Republican Party in the 1860 presidential campaign that followed. Lincoln twice returned to Columbus: once on February 13, 1861 to address a joint session of the legislature prior to his inauguration, and one last time, on April 29, 1865. From 9:30 A.M. until 4 P.M., Lincoln’s body lay in state in the Rotunda as 50,000 mourners filed through the Statehouse to pay their respects.

OTHER TIDBITS: That pretty well sums it up!

• Volunteer with the Ohio History Connection!
• Become a member of the Ohio History Connection!
• Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!

Annotations:
1 Capitol Square
Columbus, OH 43215

From Cincinnati: ~107mi (173km) — 1.8hrs
From Cleveland: ~142mi (229km) — 2.4hrs
From Columbus: ~0mi (0km) — 0hrs
From Toledo: ~140mi (226km) — 2.4hrs