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Rare Historic Photos of Columbus, Ohio in the 1880s

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The 1880s were a decade of booming growth and transformation for Columbus, Ohio. Emerging from the shadow of the Civil War, the city embraced industrialization, immigration, and cultural advancements, becoming a vibrant hub of activity.

Columbus became a melting pot of cultures. German, Irish, and Italian immigrants brought their traditions and customs, enriching the city’s social fabric. Neighborhoods like “Little Italy” and “German Village” emerged, offering unique culinary and cultural experiences.

A City on the Rise

Imagine cobblestone streets bustling with horse-drawn carriages and pedestrians in their finest attire. Brick and stone buildings lined High Street, housing bustling shops, banks, and theaters. The aroma of fresh bread wafted from local bakeries, while smoke billowed from factories churning out steel, carriages, and other goods. The population boomed, fueled by immigrants seeking opportunity, growing from 51,647 in 1880 to 88,150 by 1890.

Industry and Innovation

Coal mines and manufacturing plants fueled the city’s economy. The Hocking Valley Railway linked Columbus to the nation’s resources, while the Ohio Agricultural and Mechanical College (later The Ohio State University) nurtured scientific and agricultural advancements. Innovation thrived, with inventions like the electric car and the telephone capturing the city’s imagination.

Entertainment and Leisure

Life in the 1880s wasn’t all work. Residents frequented lively saloons, vaudeville shows, and grand theaters like the Southern. Parks like Franklin Park offered respite, with families enjoying picnics, boating on the lake, and strolling through flower-filled gardens. The Ohio State Fair, established in 1874, brought together the community for agricultural exhibits, entertainment, and lively competition.

#1 Main entrance gate to Columbus Barracks, later renamed Fort Hayes, 1880s

Main entrance gate to Columbus Barracks, later renamed Fort Hayes, 1880s

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#2 Aerial view of West Broad Street at Front Street, 1880s

Aerial view of West Broad Street at Front Street, 1880s

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#3 Residence of Allen G. Thurman, built around 1885, Queen Anne Style, 1889.

Residence of Allen G. Thurman, built around 1885, Queen Anne Style, 1889.

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#4 Board of Trade Outlook and Spahr Buildings on Capital Square, view of East Broad Street, sender marks work location, 1880s

Board of Trade Outlook and Spahr Buildings on Capital Square, view of East Broad Street, sender marks work location, 1880s

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#5 Central Market, served as Columbus City Hall from May 1851 to March 28, 1872. Circa 1880

Central Market, served as Columbus City Hall from May 1851 to March 28, 1872. Circa 1880

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#6 Central Wesley Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church, dedicated July 26, 1885, demolished January 14, 1936, later site of Borden Building, 1889.

Central Wesley Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church, dedicated July 26, 1885, demolished January 14, 1936, later site of Borden Building, 1889.

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#7 Church of the Good Shepherd, first services held April 10, 1887, Circa 1889.

Church of the Good Shepherd, first services held April 10, 1887, Circa 1889.

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#8 Clinton Building at the corner of Chestnut and High, 1889.

Clinton Building at the corner of Chestnut and High, 1889.

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#9 Columbus Board of Trade building, photo taken at time of completion, building opened July 23, 1889, served as office building and auditorium, closed August 1964, demolished in 1969, circa 1889.

Columbus Board of Trade building, photo taken at time of completion, building opened July 23, 1889, served as office building and auditorium, closed August 1964, demolished in 1969, circa 1889.

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#10 Columbus City Prison, opened December 29, 1879, demolished in 1920, photograph from 1889.

Columbus City Prison, opened December 29, 1879, demolished in 1920, photograph from 1889.

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#11 Columbus Club on East Broad Street, photograph from 1889.

Columbus Club on East Broad Street, photograph from 1889.

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#12 Columbus Electric Light and Power Company, began supplying electricity to Columbus in 1887, photograph from 1889.

Columbus Electric Light and Power Company, began supplying electricity to Columbus in 1887, photograph from 1889.

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#13 History of the Columbus Museum of Art, originally chartered as the Columbus Gallery of Fine Arts in 1878.

History of the Columbus Museum of Art, originally chartered as the Columbus Gallery of Fine Arts in 1878.

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#14 CRP&L car No.632 on the Camp Chase line, in front of Camp Chase Post Office, 1880s

CRP&L car No.632 on the Camp Chase line, in front of Camp Chase Post Office, 1880s

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#15 Black and white photograph of the Columbus Watch Company building, operational from 1883 to 1903, Circa 1889.

Black and white photograph of the Columbus Watch Company building, operational from 1883 to 1903, Circa 1889.

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#16 Corner of North High and Broad Street, Columbus, showing Main’s and Hayden’s Groceries, circa 1880.

Corner of North High and Broad Street, Columbus, showing Main's and Hayden's Groceries, circa 1880.

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#17 Deaf and Dumb Asylum on East Town Street, Columbus, 1889.

Deaf and Dumb Asylum on East Town Street, Columbus, 1889.

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#18 Dickinson Restaurant featuring ice cream and oysters, with William H. Dickinson, circa 1888.

Dickinson Restaurant featuring ice cream and oysters, with William H. Dickinson, circa 1888.

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#19 East Broad Street postcard, Columbus, featuring several notable buildings, 1880s

East Broad Street postcard, Columbus, featuring several notable buildings, 1880s

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#20 Dredge clearing Scioto River near Broad Street Bridge, 1880s.

Dredge clearing Scioto River near Broad Street Bridge, 1880s.

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#21 Electric arches in downtown’s “Hub District” at South Fourth and Main Streets, 1880s

Electric arches in downtown's "Hub District" at South Fourth and Main Streets, 1880s

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#22 Home of Eli Tappan, president of Kenyon College and Ohio State School Commissioner, 1889.

Home of Eli Tappan, president of Kenyon College and Ohio State School Commissioner, 1889.

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#23 Grand Army of the Republic Parade in Columbus, horse-drawn trolley, 1888.

Grand Army of the Republic Parade in Columbus, horse-drawn trolley, 1888.

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#24 George Bauer Bakery at 145 E. Rich St., operating from 1865 to 1937, Circa 1882.

George Bauer Bakery at 145 E. Rich St., operating from 1865 to 1937, Circa 1882.

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#25 Grand Army of the Republic Parade with mounted dignitaries, Columbus, 1888.

Grand Army of the Republic Parade with mounted dignitaries, Columbus, 1888.

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#27 Hare Orphan’s Home, founded in 1867 as the Home for the Friendless, Circa 1889.

Hare Orphan's Home, founded in 1867 as the Home for the Friendless, Circa 1889.

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#28 Hawkes Hospital, later Mount Carmel Hospital, founded by Dr. W. B. Hawkes in 1885

Hawkes Hospital, later Mount Carmel Hospital, founded by Dr. W. B. Hawkes in 1885

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#29 Henry M. Neil House “Indianola,” giving its name to an avenue and two schools, 1889.

Henry M. Neil House "Indianola," giving its name to an avenue and two schools, 1889.

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#30 Businesses on High Street opposite the State Capital, Columbus, 1880s

Businesses on High Street opposite the State Capital, Columbus, 1880s

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#31 High Street north from Fulton Street with St Paul’s German Lutheran Church and Franklin County Courthouse, 1880s

High Street north from Fulton Street with St Paul’s German Lutheran Church and Franklin County Courthouse, 1880s

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#32 High Street looking south with the Chittenden Hotel and Beggs Department Store, 1880s

High Street looking south with the Chittenden Hotel and Beggs Department Store, 1880s

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#33 Residence at 55 Hoffman Avenue, belonging to Dr. Wells Teachnor and Janet Cleveland Teachnor, 1889.

Residence at 55 Hoffman Avenue, belonging to Dr. Wells Teachnor and Janet Cleveland Teachnor, 1889.

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#34 Charles G. Henderson family home, demolished in 1960, bought in 1887.

Charles G. Henderson family home, demolished in 1960, bought in 1887.

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#35 Hotel Hartman, Columbus, Ohio, 425 South 4th Street, 1880s

Hotel Hartman, Columbus, Ohio, 425 South 4th Street, 1880s

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#36 Imbecile Asylum, first patient admitted August 23, 1880

Imbecile Asylum, first patient admitted August 23, 1880

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Written by Kevin Clark

Kevin Clark is a historian and writer who is passionate about sharing the stories and significance behind historical photos. He loves to explore hidden histories and cultural contexts behind the images, providing a unique insight into the past.

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