3999 Broadway

Historical marker location:
3999 Broadway, Grove City, Ohio
( Marker is on Broadway (U.S. 62) south of Jackson Street, on the right when traveling south.)

Est. 1923

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Ohio is known as the "Mother of Presidents" because of its role in producing so many US presidents. In addition to the seven presidents who were born in Ohio, another president, William Henry Harrison, lived in Ohio for much of his life and is sometimes counted as an honorary Ohioan.
Franklin County, located in central Ohio, has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. The area was once inhabited by Indigenous peoples, including the Shawnee and Wyandot tribes, who were later displaced by European settlement. The first European settlers arrived in the late 18th century, and the county was organized in 1803 as part of the Northwest Territory.

In its early years, Franklin County played a significant role in the development of Ohio. It served as the state capital when Ohio became a state in 1803 until 1816. The County's central location made it an ideal hub for trade and commerce, and its proximity to transportation routes, such as the National Road and later the railroads, further solidified its importance.

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Franklin County experienced significant growth and urbanization. The population expanded rapidly, particularly in the city of Columbus, which became the county seat. Columbus became a major center for industry, education, and government. The Statehouse, which was completed in the late 19th century, stands as a symbol of the county's role as the state capital.

Franklin County has also been instrumental in shaping American politics. It served as a political battleground during the Civil War and has remained an important region for political activity ever since. Today, Franklin County continues to grow and thrive as a vibrant community filled with diverse industries, cultural attractions, and a strong focus on education and research.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Franklin County, Ohio.

  • 1803: Franklin County is established on April 30.
  • 1808: The Ohio Statehouse construction begins.
  • 1812: The first issue of the "Ohio Monitor" newspaper is published.
  • 1816: The Columbus Dispatch newspaper is established.
  • 1834: The Ohio State Archives is founded.
  • 1837: The Ohio Statehouse construction is completed.
  • 1851: The National Road reaches Columbus.
  • 1862: The Camp Chase Confederate prison opens.
  • 1873: The Franklin County Courthouse construction is completed.
  • 1899: The Columbus Metropolitan Library is established.
  • 1916: The Ohio Theatre opens in Columbus.
  • 1950: The population of Franklin County exceeds half a million.
  • 1964: The Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds is created.
  • 1974: The Franklin County Veterans Memorial is dedicated.
  • 2012: The Columbus Clippers win the Triple-A baseball championship.