“Arch City”

In 1888, as the nation celebrated the centennial of the creation of the Northwest Territory, Columbus hosted the commemorative event because Ohio had been the first state formed from the Territory. Expecting 300,000 visitors in a city of 80,000, Columbus built a series of arches throughout downtown to light the streets and impress the crowds. On parade day, more than 50,000 Union veterans marched down High Street in the largest parade of Union Army veterans since the Civil War, and none larger would follow. This gave rise to Columbus's nationwide identity as Arch City. The first arches were made of wood and used gas lamps, but they were soon replaced by metal structures because of the danger. As repair costs increased and lampposts became standard, the arches vanished completely by 1916. Nearly 100 years later, they returned when the Short North Arts District unveiled seven new arches over High Street in 2002, followed by computer-controlled LED bulbs in 2007. With 860 individually programmable lights capable of producing a million colors, the arches now create a mile-long rainbow and serve as a hallmark of the district, with light shows marking Columbus celebrations after dark.

Columbus, Ohio · United States