All about: State of Ohio

The state of Ohio is the 34th largest state, in terms of geographical area in the United States, and the seventh most populous one. The state's name is an Anglicised version of the Iroquois Native American word 'ohi-yo', meaning 'great river'. The state is nicknamed as the 'Buckeye State' after a variety of tree that is prevalent there.

History

Admitted to the Union, on 1st March 1803, it is the first state to be so under the terms of the Northwest Ordinance. Prior to European contact, several different Native American pre-historical cultures occupied the area. The 17th Century began a massive process of upheaval for Native Americans in the region, as European and Iroquois's pressure was brought to the bear. Great Britain took control of the state from the French after the Seven Years War, but was forced to cede control to the new United States in 1783. In 1835, the state fought a small-scale and largely bloodless border with Michigan over the Toledo Strip. Ohio state flag
The Ohio state flag has a blue, white and red 'stars and stripes' design, with symbols showing Ohio's status as the 17th state of the Union and as one of the original four Northwest Territories. Its white circle with a red center, represents the first letter of the state's name as well as its nickname. Overall, it is a guidon consisting of five horizontal stripes which alternate between red and white. Its chevron is azure and contains a white and red 'O' and 17 white stars.

Geography

Ohio's Mid-West location has given it significant economic assets as it functions as a transport corridor linking the north east of the USA with the Mid-West. Ohio is bordered to the north by Lake Erie, with much of the state's southern border being defined by the Ohio River. The state of Pennsylvania is to the immediate east, Michigan to the north west, Canada to the north, Indiana to the west, Kentucky to the south and West Virgina to the south east. The climate of the state is classed as humid continental, with generally speaking, hot summers and coll to cold winters.

Landmarks and places of interest

The state government of Ohio is located at Columbus. The political mix in the state often means that it is perceived as a key 'swing state' in the US Presidential elections. Ohio State University, Columbus, is the third largest university campus in the country. Sports are strong at the college, with the Ohio State Buckeyes football and basketball teams enjoying a big following. The college is one of only three major American universities to have won national titles in American football, baseball and men's basketball.