The Statehouse is situated on a 10-acre parcel of land that was donated by John Kerr, Lyne Starling, John Johnston and Alexander McLaughlin, four prominent landholders in the Franklinton area on the west side of the Scioto River. The initial design was arrived at through a design competition. Construction actively began on July 4, 1839, with the ceremonial laying of the cornerstone.

The Ohio Statehouse is one of America’s finest examples of Greek Revival architecture and is one of the oldest working statehouses in the United States. The Ohio Statehouse was completed in 1861 after 22 years of construction. The sweeping grand staircase of the Senate Building was modeled after the Paris Opera House. Restored to its original grandeur in 1996, the Statehouse is filled with priceless historic art, including a marble bust of Abraham Lincoln – the only one the President posed for during his lifetime. Even the Statehouses expansive grounds have a history, as Civil War Union soldiers frequently camped there.

The Ohio Statehouse is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For groups of fewer than 10, free guided tours are offered Monday through Friday on the hour from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays from noon until 3 p.m. The Statehouse is handicapped accessible and senior friendly. Tours depart from the Map Room easily accessible from the Third Street entrance. Tours last approximately 45-60 minutes.