Discovering the Colorful History of Columbus
Commemorating Columbus’ Sesquicentennial 1856-2006
The mural reveals important moments in the city’s development by “peeling through” eight of the numerous layers of time from the present to the past.
An aspect of the mural is the transition of color through the piece. It was intentional to use black and white as the most recent history, then to sepia tones and the addition of more color for further back in time.
A The city’s history began with its founding on May 28, 1856. That layer shows 3 of the 13 founders coming to Columbus. Those depicted are, from left, Jacob Louis, Vincent Kummer, and John Browner.
B Intentionally positioned over one of the oxen is a bison from a previous layer in time to show what was here before the founders arrived by representing the Pawnee Indian tribes in the area with bison and teepees.
C Another layer is a portrait of William F. Cody, more commonly known as Buffalo Bill, because the first exhibition of the world famous Wild West show, organized with Frank and Luther North, was held in Columbus.
D Also included is a layer to note the construction of the Loup River Public Power House in the 1930’s.
E Below both the Loup and Buffalo Bill layers is the late model “General” locomotive layer depicting the importance the railroad has had in the city’s growth and development.
F The layer on the left side of the mural includes the Behlen Manufacturing water tower and a modern train. The water tower helps symbolize industrial growth and the modern train shows something old being replaced by something new.
G The contrast is not only exemplified through the trains or the bison and ox, but also with grain silos in the agricultural layer of the painting. The grain silos are juxtaposed with the teepees, to show the teepees that once dotted the plains have been replaced with the silos.
H The Columbus Arch tops the entire composition because it is a primary and recognizable symbol of the city. There were 2 archways that welcomed visitors to Columbus traveling Highway 30 (also known as the Lincoln Highway) in the 1940’s and 1950’s, one located near the intersection of 23rd St. and 23rd Ave. and the other at the north end of the viaduct near the intersection of 13th St. and 33rd Ave.
I A self portrait of the artist “peeling back” the layers of time.
Mural dimensions: 26 feet high, 84 feet wide.
Artist/Designer David Reiser grew up in Columbus. His exquisite murals and paintings can be found across the nation.
Marker is at the intersection of 13th Street (Business U.S. 30) and 26th Avenue, on the left when traveling east on 13th Street.
Courtesy hmdb.org
