Ohio Penitentiary Arch In Arena District

The Ohio Penitentiary was founded on this location in 1834.  It served as a prison for both male and female inmates and closed in 1984.  At its peak operation in 1955, it housed more than 5,000 prisoners.  It was replaced by the Lucasville facility.

After being decommissioned as a prison, the building was used for a short time as a facility by the Ohio National Guard, and as a movie set.

The State of Ohio sold the property to city of Columbus in 1995, who tore down the buildings to make room for the new Arena District.

Further detailed information about the history of the prison and the area can be found at the 2 site links below:

Wikipedia Entry

Ohio History Center

Some noteable inmates:

O. Henry(Willima Sydney Porter)

Sam Sheppard

General John H. Morgan

George "Bugs" Moran

Harry Pierpoint

Charles Makley

North Market In Downtown Columbus

The North Market has been around Columbus for a long time, 1876.  It was not the first market of its kind in Columbus.  There were central, south, east and west markets started between 1849 and 1850.

If you've been in Columbus any length of time, all one need say is North Market and everyone knows where and what you are referring.

The North Market leases floor space to vendors of all types, from food establishments, grocery merchants, coffee shops, to flowers and gifts.

Below are images from the inside and outside of the Columbus icon.  This is one of those places to experience.  Guaranteed that you will find something here that you will love and return again and again to get your favorite, drink, food, meat, flowers, spices....to whatever takes your fancy!

North Market Lit Up At Night

Some of the best Ice Cream in the country can be found here!

Like your pretzels fresh?  Can't get much fresher than made right in front of you!

Decisions, decisions.

Hot beverage or cool refresher....yep...you can get that here too!

Seating options for the various restaurants can be found on the second floor.  This is but a small section.

Try before you buy?  You bet!  ind your favorite flavors.

Need some fresh produce?  All year round, it can be found here.