Columbus Indiana
Columbus, Indiana is a city in the south central sector of Indiana, about 40 miles straight down the I-65 freeway from state capital Indianapolis. With some 40,000 inhabitants, the city is larger than the many towns that dot the map around Indy like satellites. Columbus is the county seat of Bartholomew County, a nicely situated city on the beautiful White River.
Columbus enjoys several interesting claims to fame. On the official list of the safest cities per capita in the nation, Columbus ranks eleventh. It was also given a place on Family Magazine’s 2004 “Ten Most Playful Towns.”
In 2006, the city was number one in the “America in Bloom” contest, one that is highly sought after across the nation.
Business is as important as family is this mid-sized Midwestern city. The many excellent architectural and 
design firms that have taken Columbus as their home, along with such industries as Arvin Meritor and the Cummins, Inc. engine headquarters give the community a strong, forward-thinking foundation.
Unlike most of the towns and cities in the area, Columbus is no bedroom community, filled with residents that jump in their cars and leave town every morning to go to work. On the contrary, its location is far enough away from Indianapolis to attract an estimated 19,000 commuters every day.
Probably best-known for its fabulous architecture, Columbus has enjoyed unusually staunch financial backing to continue to infuse the city with excellence in architecture. Indeed, the city is often called a showcase of modern architecture.
COLUMBUS ATTRACTIONS
Primary among the many attractions to this lovely city is its architecture. Notable buildings now in the National Historical Landmarks registry include:
The First Christian Church
Called the Tabernacle Church of Christ when it was first constructed per Eliel Saarinen’s stunning but simple design, this building is one of the first U.S. churches with a contemporary architectural design. Built in 1942, it includes the church building proper, decorated by an entire huge wall full of large squares of glass, and an enormous modern-looking clock tower that also echoes the church design with 28 large panes of glass on the top part of one side.
The First Baptist Church
This complex was designed by Harry Weese in 1965. It sports several tall triangular roofs that jut up and out like wings from the body of the building. It is altogether a premier example of the type of modern architecture Columbus is so well known for.
Mabel McDowell Adult Education Center
Designed in 1960 by John Carl Warnecke, this facility was originally an elementary school. The design incorporates the feel of open spaces in the various classroom areas, with a nod to nostalgia.
Irwin Union Bank
Designed in 1954 by Finnish architect Eero Saarinen, this is an impressive piece of neoclassical architecture in a one-story, brick and stone building surrounded by mature landscaping.
The Miller House
Also designed by Eero Saarinen, only a few years later than the Irwin Union Bank, this is the home of the famous residence, businessman and philanthropist, J. Irwin Miller, who spearheaded the architectural movement in Columbus, Indiana.
North Christian Church
In 1955, Eero Saarinen designed this church. The body of the building is formed of a hexagon, and from that rises a sweeping white spire 192 in height.
The history of this fair city is also of interest. Originally, the town was called Tiptonia, but that name was changed to Columbus in 1821.
Shopping is a breeze in this people-friendly city, home to two indoor malls, outdoor markets and antique shops galore.
Columbus events are well attended by locals as well as those from nearby communities such as Greensburg, North Vernon, Seymour, Edinburgh, Franklin, Shelbyville, Martinsville and Greenwood.
A smashing city, Columbus, Indiana is just one of those places where everything came together right.
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