Travel Oracles 50 States: Ohio

As part of my summer series - Travel Oracles 50 States - I am revisiting each os the fifty American states as an overview on travel culture and history. Today: Ohio

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Joined: March 1, 1803 but… at the end of the American Revolution, Britain ceded control of the territory to the newly formed United States, which incorporated it into the Northwest Territory. Ohio became a state on March 1, 1803, although no formal declaration was made until 1953 when President Dwight Eisenhower officially signed the documents making it a state, retroactive to the original date.

Original Indigenous Peoples: The original inhabitants of Ohio consisted primarily of three nations: the Erie, Kickapoo and Shawnee, the first two both residing in areas near modern-day Toledo.

First Settlers: Initially colonized by French fur traders, Ohio became a British colonial possession following the French and Indian War in 1754.

History moment: On May 4, 1970, three days after anti-Vietnam War protests at Kent State University began, four students were killed and nine were wounded when 29 National Guardsmen opened fire on campus. Of the deceased, two had not been involved with the protest. Four years later, the eight guardsmen who faced trial were acquitted.

Known for: sometimes called the “Mother of Modern Presidents,” having sent seven Ohioans (both natives and residents) to the White House since 1869. Ohio is also known as the home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, the NationalUnderground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati and the National Football League Hall of Fame in Canton.

Places: Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Toledo

Movie setting: Little Man Tate, The Ides of March

Musicians from: Doris Day, Tracy Chapman, Dave Grohl, John Legend, Kid Cudi, The National

Surprising facts: Ohio got its name from the Iroquois word, “O-Y-O,” meaning “great river.” The Iroquois Indians had begun to settle between the Ohio River and Great Lakes by 1650, although it is estimated that only a few hundred lived in present-day Ohio during any one period. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a suit against Ohio in 1997, arguing that its state motto, “With God All Things Are Possible,” violated the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which ensures freedom of religion. Ultimately Ohio was permitted to retain the motto since a federal ruling determined that it does not endorse a specific God and, therefore, is not a violation of the First Amendment.

A New Yorker or Californian who's never been to Ohio likely conjures up an image with plenty of barn silos, a dairy cow in every backyard, and perhaps a smoky skyline or two. That's not surprising, given that for centuries Ohio has been known as the "Gateway to the West." In truth the Buckeye State, which has reinvented itself over the last 40 years, is a beautifully balanced blend of not only everything Midwestern but also everything American. Also famously home to comedian Dave Chapelle who regularly hosts comedy events in his small town. Let’s travel to Ohio

My Experience: Never been, but I am curious about some of the college towns and the literary tradition in them (lit major here). Here is a list of top things to do in Ohio

Nature: There are 8 National Parks of Ohio including Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Hopewell Culture National Historical Park

Ranking in US: Per the annual US News report, Ohio is currently ranked #36 out of 50 in 2021 and #39 in 2019.

USACarrie Mitchellusa, travel