Ohio information
Once a part of the Northwest Territory, Ohio welcomed a diverse population to its land. Evidence of these earlier settlers remains and provides a historical focus for visitors to the Buckeye State.
At the confluence of the Ohio and Muskingum rivers in the southeastern part of the state, the first white settlers arrived in the riverboat town of Marietta. In the northeastern part of the state, hearty souls from Connecticut set down roots in the Western Reserve, where typical New England-style towns like Hudson and Chagrin Falls replicate the architecture of the newcomers' former homes. The Black Swamp area of northwestern Ohio, once a malaria-infested, overgrown no man's land attracted German settlers who drained the muck and converted it into fine, fertile farmland. Through the middle part of the state, the US Road (US40), passes through Columbus and heads to Richmond, Indiana or Wheeling, West Virginia.
Ohio boasts the largest population of Old Order Amish in the world. A large concentration of this group can be found in Holmes County and its surrounding areas. Home-based businesses abound--just watch for the signs hanging outside the houses to see which particular specialty a household has. Quilts, furniture, and baked goods are popular. Besides immigrants seeking religious freedom, Ohio also attracted those seeking personal freedom. Several branches of the Underground Railroad run through the state. Many stops along the way have been preserved and now serve as historical sites providing interpretive displays for visitors.
Lake Erie, on the northern border, offers miles of shoreline for boaters, swimmers, and fishermen. Two popular island retreats rest just off the Marblehead Peninsula. South Bass Island, with the bustling town of Put-in-Bay contrasts with the tranquil atmosphere of Kelley's Island, its neighbor.
Ohio's State Park system is a highlight of the state. Many of the parks offer lodges as well as camping to their guests. The varied landscape of Ohio, which includes flat farmland, the foothills of the Appalachians, lakes, and gorges, bestows upon each park its own personal character. With all the visual stimulation these natural areas offer, it comes as no surprise that the state song is "Beautiful Ohio."
Certainly there is more to Ohio than its history. The larger cities of Ohio provide cultural and other kinds of entertainment including world-class art museums, zoological gardens, and science museums. A multitude of professional sports teams call Ohio home. The Cleveland Indians, Cavaliers, Rockers, and Browns; Cincinnati Reds and Bengals, and of course, the Toledo Mud Hens count themselves among the many major and minor league teams in the state. The Football Hall of Fame in Canton attracts loyal fans interested in the history of the game.
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