Ask Rufus: Walking Through an Architectural History of Columbus The Ole Homestead is a vernacular raised cottage that was apparently purchased or constructed by Charles Abert when he moved to Columbus in 1825. It is the oldest building known to have survived within the original town limits of Columbus. Courtesy photos Rufus Ward The South Side Historic District in Columbus is an architectural gem with about 250 homes on the National Register of Historic Places. It provides a place where in a less than an hour walk through the western part of the district you are carried through 200 years of architectural history. The neighborhood encompasses a delightful sampling of Columbus’ architecture, history and stories.