Other Event Detail

Ohio State Capitol Building Fire
Columbus, OH

February 1, 1852

About four o'clock in the morning of Sunday, February 1, 1852, it was discovered that the old State House in Columbus, Ohio, was on fire. The watch first discovered the fire on the floor in the center of the Senate Chamber. This was nearly extinguished when it was also discovered that the timbers overhead and near the belfry were on fire. Soon, fire burst out through the roof, and the entire belfry was quickly in flames. The fire engines could not reach the fire, and it became evident that the old building in which the legislature of Ohio had met for the previous thirty-five years was doomed to destruction. The belfry, after burning brilliantly for a few minutes, came crashing down upon the floor of the Senate Chamber. The roof then gradually fell in, and the upper story of the building was a mass of flames. An effort was made to confine the fire to the Senate Chamber and upper rooms, but there was too much fire to be extinguished, and soon the flames reached the Hall of Representatives. The fire originated near the bell, in the cupola, and by dropping through to the Senate Chamber floor, spread rapidly to other parts of the building. The Sergeant-at-Arms of the Senate rushed in as soon as they discovered the fire in that Chamber, and with much trouble, and by the assistance of others, succeeded in saving the official records of the Senate, and most of the valuable books, papers, and a part of the furniture. The furniture, carpets, books, records, and papers of the House were all saved by the timely and energetic efforts of the House officers, members, and citizens. An investigation as to the origin of the fire was made, under joint resolution, but came to no satisfactory conclusion. Circumstances strongly indicate that the origin was incendiary. The use of the old United States Courthouse was immediately tendered for the sittings of the Senate, and was accepted. The House was accommodated in Mr. Weil's Odeon Hall. At the beginning of the ensuing session, the Senate transferred its sittings to the Ambos Hall, which had been handsomely fitted up for its accommodation. The House continued to meet in the Odeon. Thus the two branches of the General Assembly were again brought near together, albeit obliged to communicate with one another by way of the street. This arrangement was resumed during the sessions of 1853-1854 and 1855-1856. In 1854-18555 no legislative session was held. In the winter of 1856-1857 the General Assembly convened for the first time in the new Capitol, which had already been under construction at the time of the fire.

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