He famously explored a state capital (8)

I believe the answer is:

columbus

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'state capital' is the definition.
(Columbus is an example)

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for columbus that I've seen before include "CARRY ON FILM" , "He discovered New World, 1492" , "He is considered to have discovered America" , "Discoverer of the New World" , "1492 navigator" .)

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