National Ohio Day – November 2, 2022, history, significance
National Ohio Day is marked on November 2 every year to celebrate the anniversary of Ohio joining the United States union. It was on this day in 1803 that President Thomas Jefferson signed a decree approving the boundaries and constitution of Ohio. Although it wasn’t until 1953 that the official admission was administered when the Buckeye state was adopted retroactively. Ohioans celebrate the day by uncovering the hidden treasures of the state and recognizing its incredible history.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL OHIO DAY
Ohio — the 17th state of the U.S. — is a land of great historical and cultural significance to the country. Ever since the inception of its statehood in 1803, Ohio has served as a critical partner of the union by being the leading exporter of arms, manpower, food, inventions, and culture to North America.
The name ‘Ohio’ is inspired by ‘Iroquois’— the great river of the northwest territory which is referred to as ‘O-y-o.’ Preceding its statehood and recognition in the early 19th century, the history of Ohio is one of the intense fights between the Indians and Europeans. The land became the birthplace of numerous peace treaties and summits aimed at pacifying the conquests waged to win the fertile lands of the Ohio Country.
Soon after the conclusion of the American Revolutionary War in 1783, the Ohio Country was included in the territory as one of the five free states. With the signage of the “Treaty of Greenville” in 1795, the migrants and natives began living in harmony. Half a decade later, on November 2, 1803, Ohio became the first state from the Northwest Territory to become a part of the union.
Rolling into the union, Ohio gained a seat of strategic importance to the U.S. due to its favorable geography — the state served as a battleground during the War of 1812. As the decades passed by, the Buckeye state became a major industrial stronghold of the country, with simultaneous developments in railroads, canals, and roads.
By the mid-19th century, Ohio had become the third most populous state in the country. Being a leading contributor of manpower and other resources during the civil war, Ohio earned the praise of then-president Abraham Lincoln for ‘saving the union.’
On November 2, we celebrate the diversified culture and historical significance of this great state, and appreciate the richness it adds to the United States.
NATIONAL OHIO DAY TIMELINE
1670
The French Exploration
French explorer Rene Robert Cavelier discovers the Ohio River.
1763
The Treaty of Paris
The Indo-French war is concluded and the French relinquish the Ohio Country to the British.
1795
The Treaty of Greenville
The Treaty of Greenville ends the Ohio Indian Wars, as the Indian tribal leaders cede the land south and east of the treaty line.
1803
The Statehood
President Thomas Jefferson formally brings Ohio into the union by signing its statehood legislation.
NATIONAL OHIO DAY ACTIVITIES
Explore Ohio
Cleveland waterfront, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, amusement parks, Columbus Zoo, and so many other tourist attractions await you. Ring in the celebratory spirit by planning a trip to these iconic attractions and honoring the history of Ohio.
Buy local
Ohio is an agricultural state, with a culture of self-sustenance and development. The farmers and local grocers earn their humble living with their products and push the economy forward. On November 2, take a pledge to avoid packaged and processed food for a basket of locally sourced goods.
Make buckeye candy
Buckeye candy is a confection made by partially dipping peanut butter fudge in chocolate. The appearance of the candy resembles the nut from the poisonous buckeye trees, found in abundance in Ohio. This super easy yet fun delicacy is an ode to the famous Buckeye State, and an excuse to eat frozen chocolate-covered peanut butter.
5 AMAZING FACTS ABOUT OHIO THAT SHOWCASE ITS HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE
The heroes of the Civil War
In the fight for the Union, Ohio provided the third largest state-wise battalion of trained soldiers in the Civil War.
The Mother of Presidents
Ohio comes second to Virginia for the birth state with the most U.S. presidents.
A state of change
Oberlin College had lead the change by becoming the first U.S. college to admit women in 1833 and African-Americans two years later.
Birthplace of the police car
In 1899, Akron became the first U.S. city in the U.S. to use a police car.
The fast-food capital of America
Ohio is the founding state of two of the most successful fast-food chains, Arby’s (Boardman) and Wendy’s (Columbus.)
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL OHIO DAY
It’s a celebration of the union
The inclusion of Ohio as the 17th state to join the union became a turning point in North American history. The event marked the formal end of the American revolution and opened the corridors for the entire Northwest Territory to join the union. On November 2, we celebrate the glorious contributions made by Ohio to the country and its place in great American history.
All roads lead through Ohio
Columbus, the capital of Ohio, is located within 500 miles of nearly 48% of the U.S. population. It’s the reason why Ohio is lovingly proclaimed as ‘The Heart of It All.’ Between its closer proximity to the rest of the country and its welcoming populace, there’s no place quite like Ohio.
It honors the unique culture
The land of the Cs — Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland — with abundant rural scenery and numerous natural parks surely has a remarkable culture of its own. Ohioans distinguish themselves for their swinging politics and the preference for ‘pop.’ From the mouth-melting buckeye to the seasonal visits to Lake Eerie — we celebrate it all.
