Ohio is the 34^th Largest among the United States, spanning an area of 40953 sq mi and water area of 3875 sq mi. It acquired statehood on March 1, 1803. Ohio is the 17^th state of the 50 United States of America. The word Ohio is thought to derive from an Iroquois word meaning either great or beautiful river. Ohio is nicknamed the Buckeye State. The nickname refers to the many buckeye trees that grew within the state's borders when settlers arrived.

Geography of Ohio

Capital City: Columbus
Population & Density: As per 2004 census estimate, the population is above 11.5 million and its growing everyday. Population density is 277.3 persons per sq mi.
Largest cities: Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, Akron, Dayton, Parma, Youngstown, Canton, Lorain.
Neighbor States: Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Pennsylvania, West Virginia.
Natural Treasures: Gem - Flint.

State Facts:

Ohio Motto: With God, all things are possible
State Symbols: Bird - Cardinal, Animal - White-tailed Deer, Flower - Red Carnation, Tree - Buckeye, Song - "Beautiful Ohio".

Economy of Ohio

Personal income per Capita - $21,003 (Recent census - 1999)
Agriculture - Soybeans, Dairy Products, Corn, Tomatoes, Hogs, Cattle, Poultry and Eggs.
Industry - Transportation Equipment, Fabricated Metal Products, Machinery, Food Processing, Electric Equipment.

History of Ohio

Ohio became the 17^th state on March 1, 1803. Chillicothe was the first state capital, followed by Zanesville in 1810, then Chillicothe again, and finally Columbus in 1816. In 1959, the St. Lawrence Seaway opened, creating international trade for eight Ohio cities on Lake Erie. Aluminum plants and chemical factories were built along the Ohio River. Many significant changes also occurred to the state government during this time. Today, many factories now successful making plastics and service businesses have become more important to the economy.

Ohio's state flag was adopted in 1902. The Ohio burgee, as the swallowtail design is properly called, was designed by John Eisemann. The large blue triangle represents Ohio's hills and valleys, and the stripes represent roads and waterways. The 13 stars grouped about the circle represent the original states of the union; the 4 stars added to the peak of the triangle symbolize that Ohio was the 17th state admitted to the union. The white circle with its red center not only represents the "O" in Ohio, but also suggests Ohio's famous nickname, "The Buckeye State."

Famous people of Ohio

Neil Armstrong (1930-) The first astronaut to walk on the moon, was born in Wapakoneta.
Daniel Beard (1850-1941) Founded the Boy Scouts of America, was born in Cincinnati.
Halle Berry (1966-) She is a Famous Actress, was born in Cleveland.
Drew Carey (1958-) Actor, Writer, Comedian, was born in Cleveland.
Thomas Edison (1847-1931) Only American inventor with more than 1,000 patents. He was born in Milan.

Interesting Facts about Ohio

• The Cincinnati Red Stockings became the first professional baseball team in 1869.
• Akron was the first city to use police cars.
• Clarence Crane in Cleveland invented Life Savers in 1912.
• Cincinnati had the first professional city fire department and the first ambulance service.
• Ohio claims the first chewing gum in 1869, and the first hot dog in 1900.