Lowrie Brothers in Whitehall in Franklin County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Columbus Depot

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 25, 2008

1. Columbus Depot Marker

Inscription. Since 1918, this installation, currently known as the Defense Supply Center, Columbus, has served the federal government as a procurement and distribution point for military supplies and equipment. Originally named the Columbus Quartermaster Reserve Depot, this location was chosen because of its immediate access to three railroad lines. Expansion of the center continued after World War I, and in the years immediately prior to World War II, the center's mission changed to reconditioning war material for resale. During World War II, the center became the largest military supply installation in the world, employing more than 10,000 civilians and holding over 400 Axis prisoners of war in secured barracks. The installation continues to provide a variety of parts and supplies to all branches of the Armed Forces and other Federal agencies.

Erected 2002 by Ohio Bicentennial Commission, The Longaberger Company, Defense Supply Center Columbus and Whitehall Historical Society, and The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 45-25.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars • War, World I

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• War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1918.

Location. 39° 58.45′ N, 82° 53.683′ W. Marker is in Whitehall, Ohio, in Franklin County. It is in Lowrie Brothers. Marker is on Broad Street (Ohio Route 16), on the right when traveling west. Marker is at the entrance to the Defense Supply Center, Columbus (DSCC). Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3990 East Broad Street, Columbus OH 43213, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Norton Field (approx. 0.6 miles away); Whitehall Tavern (approx. 1.3 miles away); A Brief History of Eastmoor / Eastmoor Polo Field (approx. 1.4 miles away); Original Port Columbus Airport Terminal (approx. 1½ miles away); The Underground Railroad (approx. 1.7 miles away); Holocaust Memorial (approx. 1.8 miles away); Eastmoor (approx. 2 miles away); Bexley World War II Memorial (approx. 2.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Whitehall.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 25, 2008

2. Columbus Depot Marker

Marker Photo of WWII POWs image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 25, 2008

3. Marker Photo of WWII POWs

(On back side of marker)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 29, 2008, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,483 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 29, 2008, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.