Final answer:
Columbus is the capital and largest city of Ohio, found at the joining of the Scioto and Olentangy rivers. It is notable as the site of The Ohio State University, which has the third-largest university enrollment in the US.
Step-by-step explanation:
The capital and largest city of Ohio, located on the confluence of the Scioto and Olentangy rivers, is Columbus. This city is notable for hosting the university with the 3rd largest enrollment in the United States, which is The Ohio State University. While historically industrial cities like Cincinnati and Cleveland played significant roles in Ohio's development, the growth and influence of Columbus in the modern era cannot be understated. In the context of political orientation, Columbus is seen as a moderate city, reflecting a mix of conservative and liberal values, while cities like Cleveland and Cincinnati embody more progressive and conservative attitudes, respectively. Ohio's historical experiences, including environmental challenges such as the 1969 fire on the polluted Cuyahoga River, have shaped the state’s development and continue to impact its cities and political landscape.