Dozen Distinctive Destinations
Columbus, IN
Year Listed: 2005
Located in the center of a triangle formed by Cincinnati, Ohio, Louisville, Ky., and Indianapolis, Ind., Columbus (pop. 39,000) prides itself on preserving its past while embracing the best of modern design. The community's reputation as a world-class center of contemporary architecture was launched in 1942, when famed Finnish architect Eliel Saarinen designed the First Christian Church. Soon after, names like Eero Saarinen, Harry Weese, Richard Meier, Robert Venturi and I.M. Pei joined the parade of A-list architects - many of them funded by the architecture program developed by the Cummins Foundation, under the leadership of former CEO J. Irwin Miller - who created the modern landscape of Columbus. The striking designs they produced are enhanced by an impressive collection of public art, including Chaos I, a 30-foot, seven-ton motion sculpture created by Swiss artist Jean Tinguely. Columbus's rich past is on display in historic structures such as the 1864 Bartholomew County Historical Museum, the 1874 courthouse and an expansive array of turn-of-the-century storefronts and houses. The city and surrounding area also offer wineries, festivals, shopping and a wide range of outdoor activities - including canoeing, golf and horseback riding - to keep visitors busy and happy. For these reasons, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the country's largest private, nonprofit preservation organization, today named Columbus to its 2005 list of America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations, an annual list of unique and lovingly preserved communities in the United States. It was selected from nearly 80 destinations in 44 states that were nominated by individuals, preservation organizations and local communities. "Columbus is a mecca of modern architecture," said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. "This outstanding city has a rich past that is celebrated by the community and its visitors alike."
