National Ohio Day: Interesting Facts and Highlights About the Buckeye State
Ohio is rich in history, entertainment, and culture, and Saturday, November 2, is a day for everyone to celebrate the Buckeye State as it marks National Ohio Day. This annual observance recognizes Ohio as the 17th state to join the United States, according to National Calendar Day. Here are some fun facts about Ohio:
State Flag: Known as the Ohio burgee, the state flag was designed by John Eisenmann in 1901 and officially adopted in 1902.
State Slogan: “Ohio, The Heart of it All”
Ohio Presidents: Dubbed the “Mother of Presidents,” Ohio is the birthplace of seven U.S. presidents: Ulysses S. Grant (Point Pleasant), Rutherford B. Hayes (Delaware), James A. Garfield (Orange Township, now Moreland Hills), Benjamin Harrison (North Bend), William McKinley (Niles), William Howard Taft (Cincinnati), and Warren G. Harding (Corsica, now Blooming Grove).
State Bird: The Cardinal, designated as the state bird in 1933.
State Pet: The shelter pet was adopted as Ohio’s official state pet in 2019 to raise awareness about the high number of cats and dogs in need of homes at animal shelters across the state.
State Tree: The Ohio Buckeye tree, adopted in 1953.
State Fruit: The Tomato, designated as the state fruit in 2009.
State Native Fruit: The Pawpaw, also adopted in 2009. Ohio hosts an annual Pawpaw Festival to celebrate this unique fruit.
State Flower: The Red Carnation, adopted in 1904, was a favorite of Ohio-born President William McKinley, who often wore one on his jacket. The flower was named the state flower in his honor after his assassination.
Theme Parks: Ohio is home to popular theme parks such as Cedar Point in Sandusky and King’s Island in Mason.
State Parks: The state boasts eight national parks, two national trails, 23 national natural landmarks, and 76 national historic landmarks. Ohio’s state park system includes over 70 parks and more than 1,000 miles of trails.
Professional Sports Teams: Ohio supports a variety of professional sports teams, including the Columbus Crew, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Guardians, Cleveland Cavaliers, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Columbus Blue Jackets, and FC Cincinnati.
Pro Football Hall of Fame: Located in Canton, the Pro Football Hall of Fame commemorates the founding of the NFL in Canton on September 17, 1920.
Celebrate National Ohio Day by exploring all that this diverse state has to offer!
