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

Inscription. 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. Marker is in Columbus, Ohio, in Franklin County. It is in Fairgrounds. Marker can be reached from East

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

17th Street west of Interstate 71. It is in the Ohio State Fairgrounds, on the Midway, across from the Coliseum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 717 E 17th Ave, Columbus OH 43211, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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); Coal Car / Double Water Wheel Turbine (approx. half a mile away); Oil Drilling Equipment (approx. half a mile away); World War I Memorial (approx. half a mile away); Victorian Playgrounds (approx. 0.6 miles away); Recycling in the Victorian Era (approx. 0.6 miles away); Mexican-American War Memorial (approx. 0.6 miles away); Basket Ball (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbus.

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 . . .

Two Markers On the Midway image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, August 11, 2007

2. Two Markers On the Midway

Ohio State Fair. (Submitted on August 11, 2007.)

Photographed By J. J. Prats, August 11, 2007

3. The Ohio State Fair Marker

<i>Main and Administration Buildings, Ohio State Fair Grounds, Columbus, Ohio</i> image. Click for full size.

The Valentine Souvenir Company, circa 1910

4. Main and Administration Buildings, Ohio State Fair Grounds, Columbus, Ohio

Credits. This page was last revised on February 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 11, 2007, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,548 times since then and 28 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.