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Top of Mind
Shepard Fairey Comes To Town…
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Shepard Fairey, the renowned artist who brought the iconic Obama "Hope" poster to life, is once again using his art to inspire action—this time, it’s all about getting Ohioans engaged in democracy. In partnership with the Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC) and a coalition of arts organizations, Fairey has been busy bringing 20 new murals to life across Columbus, covering areas like downtown, the Columbus College of Art & Design, and the Short North Arts District.
Each mural is not only a stunning visual addition to the city but also a reminder of the power of civic engagement. Fairey says, "It’s an important moment in American politics," and he’s backing that up by encouraging everyone to participate in the democratic process. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or a first-time voter, these murals will make you think twice about skipping the voting booth this year.
So, as you walk through the city and take in the vibrant artwork, remember it’s more than just art—it’s a call to action.
Scarlet Letter Trivia
Question: Ohio is the spookiest state in the U.S. How many haunted locations Do we have in Ohio?
A. 89
B. 176
C. 130
D. 7
October Cometh So Spooky Season Begineth
As October begins and the cool autumn air creeps into Columbus, there’s a shift you can feel—not just in the temperature, but in the atmosphere. Some places seem to hold onto the past a little tighter than others, and Fort Hayes is one of those places. A site steeped in history, it’s seen generations of soldiers pass through its gates—some say a few of them never left.
Established in 1863, Fort Hayes was initially known as the Columbus Arsenal, serving as a critical military hub for the Union Army during the Civil War. It provided weapons, ammunition, and equipment for troops heading to the front lines. As one of the most important military outposts in the region, Fort Hayes played a critical role in the war effort, its grounds buzzing with activity as soldiers prepared for battle. After the Civil War, the site continued to serve as a military post, expanding to include training facilities and playing a role in every major conflict through the Vietnam War. But with that long history comes more than just stories of military strategy—it also brings tales of those who never truly left.
The most iconic structure on the grounds, the Shot Tower, was used to produce ammunition during the Civil War. Standing tall above the fort, it’s now the site of one of its most chilling legends. In 1865, as the war came to a close, a young private died in a cannon misfire, his life cut short in an instant. Today, those who visit the tower speak of hearing the unmistakable sound of boots on the wooden stairs, a phantom presence making its way to the top. Some have even seen a lone figure standing watch, only for him to disappear as quickly as he appears. On especially cold days, visitors report an eerie chill in the tower, as if the young soldier is still there, forever guarding the fort he never got to leave.
But Fort Hayes’ history isn’t just about the Civil War. During World War I, the fort was expanded to include training facilities for soldiers shipping out to Europe. By World War II, it had become a major training center, with thousands of recruits preparing for service overseas. The fort’s Drill Hall was the epicenter of this activity, where soldiers practiced drills and combat maneuvers before heading off to war. But the Drill Hall, too, has its ghosts. Some say a World War II soldier still paces nervously outside the building, waiting for orders that never came. His ghost has been spotted late at night, standing at attention, only to vanish into the darkness. Those who walk the grounds after sunset often describe the sense that they’re being watched—a heavy, unseen presence that lingers in the cold air.
As wars came and went, so did the soldiers who trained at Fort Hayes. The fort continued to serve as a military post through the Korean and Vietnam wars before finally being decommissioned as an active military base. Today, Fort Hayes is home to a high school for the arts, a far cry from its martial past, but the echoes of history are never far away. The old barracks, once filled with young recruits, now stand empty, but the stories of the soldiers who passed through their doors—and some who never left—remain.
Fort Hayes is a place where history and hauntings are tightly intertwined. The soldiers who trained here, many of whom went on to fight in battles that shaped the course of history, left their mark—not just on the land, but perhaps on the very air itself. The whispers of the past seem to hang over the fort, especially as October sets in and the nights grow longer. The wind through the trees sounds a little too much like hushed voices, and the feeling of being watched becomes harder to shake.
As Columbus leans into Spooky Season, Fort Hayes stands as a reminder that some histories are too powerful to stay in the past. The fort’s long and storied military role, from the Civil War through Vietnam, feels alive even today. So if you find yourself wandering the grounds, and you feel a chill that has nothing to do with the weather, just remember: the ghosts of Fort Hayes might still be standing at attention.
The Greatest Soccer Team On Earth…
…Visited the White House to celebrate winning it all last season. They spent the day before their Match with D.C. United looking great and representing The Massive back home.
As you’d expect, President Biden gave the Crew a welcome fitting for a team that’s no stranger to success. For the Crew, this wasn’t just another round of applause; it was a nod to a dynasty that’s been years in the making. Columbus didn’t just arrive at the top—they’ve set up camp there, and they’re not planning on leaving anytime soon.
The Crew has already earned 57 points this season, which ties the club record (we also earned 57 points in both 2008 and 2023, and both seasons ended in MLS Cup wins 👀). We still have 4 matches left! Messi comes to town with #1 Miami on Wednesday night! I better see you all there.
Shoutout to TheMassive Reddit! Click the image for the post.
As one of the original MLS teams, the Crew have been raising the bar for decades. While other teams are still chasing the formula for success, Columbus has perfected it. Whether it’s dominating on the field or cementing their place in soccer history, the Crew have built a culture of excellence that others can only hope to follow. Another star on the crest, another visit to the White House—just the latest milestones in a tradition of winning that shows no signs of slowing down.
Ohio is THE soccer state right now and I’m doing everything I can to enjoy it.
Trivia Answer
B. 130 - More than any other state, California comes in second with 125
Signing Off
