ACCESSIBLE OHIO -- PART 4

THE OHIO STATEHOUSE, IN COLUMBUS

The statehouse took 22 years to complete.

Long, drawn-out public works projects were a fact of life long before orange barrels wreaked havoc on our highways.

The structure was built between 1839 and 1861, relying largely on prison labor from the Ohio Penitentiary to construct the foundation and ground floors.

The Greek Revival building -- bounded by Broad, 3rd, State and High streets -- emerged triumphant after more than $100 million worth of renovations were completed in 1996.

The statehouse is wheelchair accessible via ramps leading into the building and elevators reach all floors.

Tour guides are aware of the needs of people with a wide range of disabilities and their routes avoid steps when people with mobility impairments are touring.

The free tours roam the halls of the seat of state government, where Abraham Lincoln addressed a joint session of the General Assembly in 1861.

STORY CONTINUES TOMORROW -- APRIL 25