With a long, rich history, the Ohio Statehouse is one of oldest working statehouses and the finest example of Greek Revival architecture in the country. After 22 years of construction by convict laborers from the Ohio Penitentiary, the Ohio Statehouse was completed in 1861 at the beginning of The Civil War. It is considered to be one of the most significant architectural accomplishments of the early Republic, predating many state capitals that were built in Victorian styles. After decades of political stops and starts, seven architects, and greatly over budget, it could also (tongue in cheek) be considered a quintessential public works project.
The Judiciary Annex, which is now the Senate Building, was added in 1901 and was modeled after the Paris Opera House. Restored to its original grandeur in 1996, the building features sweeping grand staircases, original bronze light fixtures imprinted with the seal of the Great State of Ohio, marble walls and priceless historic art, including paintings of Perry’s Victory and the Treaty of Greenville and a marble bust of Abraham Lincoln – one of only a few the President posed for in his lifetime.
Today, the Ohio Statehouse maintains its historic character while functioning as the center of state government. A visitor’s center and museum are located on the ground floor and visitors are welcomed daily with free guided tours during scheduled hours.
The Statehouse is part of the 10-acre Capitol Square which occupies original land given to the state so Columbus would become the capitol. A number of important memorials are located on the grounds, including the 1894 These are My Jewels, commemorating Ohio’s contributions to the Civil War; the 1906 William McKinley Memorial, which honors the Ohio governor and U.S. President; and other commemorations of Christopher Columbus, the Civil War, Spanish-American War, and the First World War. These are My Jewels is based on the story of the rich Roman matron who was asked what her most precious jewels were and she extended her hand to indicate her jewels were her children. In this statue, Ohio represents Cornelia, the matron, and the jewels are the important Ohio Union generals and statesmen. The McKinley monument was built to honor the assassinated president who had been Ohio’s governor. It was placed immediately across from the Statehouse on the spot where McKinley would turn each morning to wave to his wife before entering the governor’s office. They lived at the Neil House where she could be tended to because she was an invalid for most of her life. She sent him a red carnation for his lapel each morning, which is Ohio’s official flower in his memory. One of the most dramatic pieces of public art is the sculpture of a woman on the north side of the square done by Ohio State sculptor Bruce Saville. In addition to this monument to peace, he created the doughboy statues at the Statehouse and at Ohio Historical Society.