Schiller Park

Stewart’s Grove, owned by Francis Stewart in the 1830s, served as an unofficial assembly space for local events and celebrations. It was even the site of the Ohio State Fair in 1864 and 1865. In 1867, the city of Columbus purchased 23 acres of Stewart’s Grove and re-named it City Park.

R.T. Brookes designed the plans for the park and its ornamental fountain and lake were constructed in the 1870s. During the park’s early years, the site was developed to include scenic features such as rustic bridges, a fountain and a rock grotto as well as a bandstand for entertainment. On April 3, 1905, the park was re-named Schiller Park, in honor of German poet Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller. During World War I, the park was re-named Washington Park in reaction to local anti-German sentiments. On April 7, 1930, the Schiller name was reinstated.

1899 Baist's Atlas showing City Park Crop.jpg

City Park in 1899

This 1899 map shows City Park’s scenic lakes, walks and drives laid out by landscape architect R.T. Brooks.

City Park Entrance

View of City Park’s entrance gates and the park superintendent’s house circa 1900.

Schiller Park Buffalo

Acquired in 1873 by private donation, City Park’s buffalo served as an early attraction. In 1878 one of the animals, which were kept in a fenced enclosure, became hard to contain and was killed. The next day’s paper featured a local butcher’s ad for buffalo meat. The last park buffalo was sold in 1882.

Schiller Monument

City Park’s statue of the famous German poet, Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller, sculpted by Ferdinand Von Miller, was erected on July 4, 1891. This photograph of children in front of the monument was taken around 1905.

Courtesy of Library of Congress

Rustic Bridge in Schiller Park

View of the rustic bridge and lake in Schiller Park shortly after City Park was renamed Schiller Park on April 3, 1905.

Courtesy of Library of Congress

Ice Skating in Schiller Park

Local residents enjoy a day skating on the ice at Schiller Park in 1985.