Columbus, OH - Capitol #44

The Ohio Capitol has many unique features that we had not seen other places. 

This map of the counties is inlaid in the floor and is the starting location of an hour long tour. 

At this point, we were underground. 

They have a small museum here primarily to teach youth about government. 

Ohio has a full time legislature. 

Upstairs we headed into the senate chamber. Senators can serve 2 consecutive 4-yr terms then if they serve elsewhere or take time off, they can come back as there is no lifetime limit to serving. (In fact, the current president of the senate has formerly served in both houses.)

33 senators meet here and, uniquely, the gallery (where the public watches from) is on the same level as the senators themselves. 

99 representatives meet here and they can also serve for 8 years (in four 2-yr terms) before having to take a break and then they are able to return as well. The house gallery was up a level, as we've found in most other capitols. 

On this special day 152 years ago, President Lincoln's body passed through here on its way to be buried. And today, a soldier stands at attention accompanying the casket on display in the rotunda as period-dressed onlookers mourn. 

In a separate building connected by an atrium, senators have their offices. This was originally built to house the Supreme Court. 

The state seal in stained glass. 

Outside, Lincoln-period costumes and cannons were all over the front lawn.