Ohio
(In Detail) (Full size)
State nickname: "The Buckeye State"

Other U.S. States
CapitalColumbus
Largest City Columbus
Area
- Total
- Land
- Water
- % water
Ranked 34th
116,096 kmē
106,154 kmē
10,044 kmē
8.65%
Population
 - Total (2000)
 - Density
Ranked 7th
11,353,140
98/kmē
Admittance into Union
- Order
- Date


17th
August 7, 1953, retroactive to March 1, 1803
Time zone Eastern: UTC-5/-4
Latitude
Longitude
38°27'N to 41°58'N
80°32'W to 84°49'W
Width
Length
Elevation
  -Highest
  -Mean
  -Lowest
355 km
355 km
 
472 meters
260 meters
139 meters
ISO 3166-2:US-OH
Ohio is an east-central state of the United States. Its U.S. postal abbreviation is OH. Ohio is an Iroquois word meaning "great water." The name refers to the river that forms its southern border.

The US Navy has named a series of ships USS Ohio in honor of this state.

Table of contents
1 History
2 Law and Government
3 Geography
4 Economy
5 Demographics
6 Important Cities and Towns
7 Education
8 Professional Sports Teams
9 External Links

History

Ohio, the region north of the Ohio River and south of the Great Lakes, was originally controlled by various native tribes, primarily the Iroquois. During the 18th century, the French set up a system of trading posts to control the fur trade in the region.

In 1754, France and Great Britain fought a war known in North America as the French and Indian War. As a result of the Treaty of Paris, the French gave control of Ohio to Great Britain.

Britain soon passed the Proclamation of 1763, which prohibited the American colonists from settling in Ohio Country. British control of the region ended with an American victory in the American Revolution.

The United States created the Northwest Territory in 1787. The Northwest Territory included Ohio Country. Indiana Territory was later created, reducing the Northwest Territory to the size of present-day Ohio.

Under the Northwest Ordinance, Ohio could begin the process to statehood once its population exceeded 5,000. On February 19, 1803, President Jefferson signed an act of Congress that declared Ohio the 17th state. The current custom of Congress declaring statehood did not begin until 1812, with Louisiana's admission, so, in 1953, President Eisenhower signed an act that officially declared March 1, 1803 the date of Ohio's admittance into the Union.

In 1835, Ohio fought a war with Michigan over the city of Gargamesh, (now Toledo, Ohio) known as the Toledo War. Congress intervened, giving Toledo to Ohio.

Law and Government

Its capital is Columbus, located close to the center of the state. Its current governor is Bob Taft (Republican) and its two U.S. senators are Mike DeWine (Republican) and George V. Voinovich (Republican). See List of Ohio Governors .

Geography

See: List of Ohio counties
See: Ohio public lands

Ohio's southern border is defined by the Ohio River (with the border being at the 1793 low-water mark on the north side of the river), and much of the northern border is defined by Lake Erie. It borders Pennsylvania on the east, Michigan to the north, Indiana to the west, Kentucky on the south, and West Virginia on the southeast.

Much of Ohio features glaciated plains, with an exceptionally flat area in the northwest being known as the Black Swamp. This glaciated region in the northwest and central state is bordered to the east and southeast first by a belt known as the glaciated Allegheny Plateau, and then by another belt known as the unglaciated Allegheny Plateau. Most of Ohio is of low relief, but the unglaciated Allegheny Plateau features rugged hills and forests.

Significant rivers within the state include the Miami River, Scioto River, Cuyahoga River, and Muskingum River.

Economy

Ohio, a major producer of machines, tools, and other products, is one of the leading industrial states. As part of the Midwestern Corn Belt, agriculture also plays an important role in the state's economy. In addition, however, Ohio's historical attractions, varying landscapes, and recreational opportunities are the basis for a thriving tourist industry. Over 2,500 lakes and 70,000 kilometers of river landscapes are a paradise for boaters, fishermen, and swimmers. Of special historical interest are the Native American archeological sites -- including grave mounds and other sites.

Ohio's 1999 total gross state product was $362 billion, placing it 7th in the nation. Its 2000 Per Capita Personal Income was $28,400, 19th in the nation. Ohio's agricultural outputs are soybeans, dairy products, corn, tomatoes, hogs, cattle, poultry and eggs. Its industrial outputs are transportation equipment, fabricated metal products, machinery, food processing, and electric equipment.

Demographics

As of the 2000 census, the population of Ohio is 11,353,140. Its population grew 4.7% (506,025) from its 1990 levels. According to the 2000 census, 85% (9,645,453) identified themselves as White, 1.9% (217,123) as Hispanic or Latino, 11.5% (1,301,307) as black, 1.2% (132,633) as Asian, 0.2% (24,486) as American Indian or Alaska Native, 0.02% (2,749) as Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander 0.8% (88,627) as other, and 1.4% (157,885) identified themselves as belonging to two or more races.

6.6% of its population were reported as under 5, 25.4% under 18, and 13.3% were 65 or older. Females made up approximately 51.4% of the population.

Important Cities and Towns

Education

Colleges and Universities

  • 13 state universities
  • 24 state university branch and regional campuses
  • 46 liberal arts colleges and universities
  • 2 free-standing state-assisted medical schools
  • 15 community colleges
  • 8 technical colleges
  • over 24 independent non-profit colleges
See List of Ohio colleges

The Buckeye State
State Animal:White-tailed Deer
State Bird:Cardinal
State Capital:Columbus
State Flower:Scarlet Carnation
State Wildflower:Trillium Grandiflorum
State Insect:Ladybird Beetle
State Song:"Beautiful Ohio"
State Tree:Ohio Buckeye
State Fossil:Isotelus Trilobites
State Drink:Tomato juice
State Reptile:Black racer snake
State Gemstone:Ohio Flint
State Motto:"With God all things are possible"

Professional Sports Teams

External Links