Fairgrounds in Columbus in Franklin County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Ohio State Fair
Photographed by J. J. Prats, August 11, 2007
1. The Ohio State Fair Marker
First held in Cincinnati in 1850, the Ohio State Fair was organized by the Ohio Board of Agriculture to promote agricultural education and recognize achievements. The second fair was held in Franklinton (now part of Columbus) on the farm of Michael Sullivant. To increase interest and participation in its early years, the Ohio State Fair traveled to various locations around Ohio. In 1874, Columbus won a bid to host the fair for a five-year trial period. The fair remained in Columbus after the trial period and was held at the Franklin County Fairgrounds until the 37th Ohio State Fair began at this location. Conveniently located adjacent to major railroad lines, the Ohio State Fair grounds were dedicated on August 1, 1886.
Erected 2003 by The Ohio Bicentennial Commission, Ohio Expo Center, and The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 72-25.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1850.
Location. 39° 59.898′ N, 82° 59.479′ W.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Ohio’s Scioto Valley. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: All American Quarter Horse Congress (here, next to this marker); Gyr Brahama (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Scottish Highlander Cattle (about 300 feet away); Farm Bureau Memorial Tree (about 500 feet away); Memorial to the First Buckeye Boys State 1936 (about 600 feet away); Buckeye Trees (approx.
Photographed by J. J. Prats, August 11, 2007
2. Two Markers On the Midway
Regarding The Ohio State Fair. The fair, conveniently located adjacent to the lines of the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis Railroad in the 1870s, was served by the trains of 16 railroad companies in the 1890s, ensuring easy access from most anywhere in Ohio. In the early days exhibits were transported without charge and exhibitors travelled for half-fare. In 1896 the Ohio State Fair became the first state fair illuminated by electric lights. The fair runs for two weeks in August and the 360 acre, 20-building complex is crammed with exhibits, food vendors, and entertainment.
Also see . . .
1. The Ohio State Fair. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on November 17, 2024, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. The Ohio State Fair. Website homepage (Submitted on November 17, 2024, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by J. J. Prats, August 11, 2007
3. The Ohio State Fair Marker
The Valentine Souvenir Company, circa 1910
4. Main and Administration Buildings, Ohio State Fair Grounds, Columbus, Ohio
Photographed by Craig Doda, July 27, 2025
5. The Ohio State Fair Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 1, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 11, 2007, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 3,133 times since then and 166 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 11, 2007, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 4. submitted on November 29, 2014. 5. submitted on July 31, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio.
