Downtown in Columbus in Franklin County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

America’s Pioneer Kindergarten

Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, April 26, 2016

1. America’s Pioneer Kindergarten Marker

Inscription. Miss Caroline Louise Frankenberg (1806- 1882) brought the kindergarten concept from Germany to Columbus in 1836. She returned to Germany for further study, then established the school at the S.E. corner of Rich and Pearl Alley in 1858. The Kindergarten (“Children's Garden”) is based on the philosophy of Friedrich Froebel who emphasized the importance of children’s play and active involvement in learning.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1858.

Location. 39° 57.451′ N, 82° 59.906′ W. Marker is in Columbus, Ohio, in Franklin County. It is in Downtown. Marker is on East Rich Street, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 27 E Rich Street, Columbus OH 43215, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Great Southern Hotel (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Central Presbyterian Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Julian & Kokenge Company (approx. 0.2 miles away); Riversouth Bioretention Basins (approx. 0.2 miles away); United Mine Workers of America (approx. 0.2 miles away); American Federation of Labor (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Ohio Theater

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(approx. 0.2 miles away); Columbus City Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbus.

Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, April 26, 2016

2. America’s Pioneer Kindergarten Marker

Full view of marker

Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, April 26, 2016

3. America’s Pioneer Kindergarten Marker

Marker can be seen in front of COTA parking garage, looking across Rich Street to the south

Credits. This page was last revised on February 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 27, 2016, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. This page has been viewed 802 times since then and 115 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 27, 2016, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.