Currently the state's capital and most populous city, Columbus is home to a diverse array of businesses, institutions, and citizens. Several of the world's largest organizations of its kind are located in Columbus, including Battelle Memorial Institute, Chemical Abstracts, and NetJets. Additionally, five Fortune 500 companies are headquartered here: L Brands, Big Lots, Nationwide, American Electric Power, and Cardinal Health. With all of this, it's not hard to see how Columbus is one of the largest cities in the Midwest. However, perhaps more interestingly, Columbus' importance dates back to ancient times.

Once the center of indigenous cultures known as Moundbuilders, the region was dotted with man-made mounds used as religious and burial sites, as well as for residences. Later, with the arrival of European explorers, the area was eventually given Christopher Columbus' name and the city was founded in 1812. Because the city of Columbus was without direct river or trail connections, growth was initially slow. This changed with the National Road reaching from Baltimore, as well as the Ohio and Erie canal, which brought a boom of immigrants, largely Irish and German, seeking cheap land.

The railroad made its way to Columbus in 1850, and within 25 years there were eight rail companies traversing the area. More poignant, however, is the region's history as a key location on the Underground Railroad. Led by James Preston Poindexter and others, as many as 40,000 slaves passed through Ohio and onward to freedom. The Kelton House was a stop along the railroad, and today functions as a museum. For a glimpse into the journey itself, Alum Creek State Park marks several trails traversed by those seeking freedom, as well as sites important to the Moundbuilders.

For other bits of history, Columbus offers the Ohio Statehouse, of which construction began in 1839, as well as The Ohio State University, founded 1870 as one of the country's first land grant colleges. James Thurber's House, St. Joseph Cathedral, Victorian Village, and the Greek Orthodox Cathedral all invite you to traverse the tree-lined streets of Columbus and take in the beauty inside and out. German Village, filled with historic homes and cobblestone streets, is home to authentic restaurants including Schmidt's Sausage Haus.

If a German lager doesn't suit you, head over to Wolf's Ridge Brewing or check out one of the other 50 breweries operating throughout Columbus. And for food lovers, The Pearl is known for American-style food, The Refectory whips up French cuisine, and Lola & Giuseppe's Trattoria dishes out Italian specialties. In addition to these brick and mortar restaurants, Columbus has a thriving food truck scene.

Catch up with the trucks at any of Columbus' annual events, including the Ohio Black Expo, Jazz & Rib Fest, and of course the Columbus Food Truck Festival, which includes music and art expositions as well. The city also hosts festivals dedicated to Latino, German, Greek, and Irish cultures, as well as the State Fair and a huge July 4 celebration. The events and activities are as diverse as the residents.

Equally diverse is Central Ohio's plant life with over 1,000 native tree species. While you can enjoy the shade and beauty of such trees throughout the city, they can become a chore when in your own backyard. Get in touch with LawnStarter for professional tree care, so you can enjoy everything your city has to offer.