You know the saying that truth is stranger than fiction? Well, that's definitely the case in Ohio. The Buckeye State has a fascinating history that, at times, seems too fantastic to be true. Don't believe us? Here are 11 interesting facts about Ohio they probably didn't teach you in school...
1. Ohio really *is* The Heart of It All.
There's a saying that Ohio is the heart of it all, and it's true! Roughly 50% of the total U.S. population lives within a 500-mile radius of Columbus, Ohio.
2. Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the moon, hailed from Ohio.
Maybe this is common knowledge, but we never pass up on an opportunity to share that Mr. Armstrong was from Wapakoneta, Ohio!
3. Ohio has one of the largest Amish populations in the U.S.
There are over 80,000 members of the old-order Amish in Ohio.
4. Akron was the first state in the U.S. to use police cars.
The first police car was an electric wagon used by the Akron Police Department in Akron, Ohio, in 1899. It could reach 16 mph and travel 30 miles before its battery needed to be recharged.
5. More U.S. Presidents were born in Ohio than any other state.
Ohio is known as the "Birthplace of Presidents," with Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes, James A. Garfield, Benjamin Harrison, William McKinley, William H. Taft, and Warren G. Harding all hailing from the Buckeye State.
6. Ohio is the only state whose flag is a pennant.
The Ohio flag is a triangular swallowtail flag, the only non-rectangular U.S. state flag. We just *had* to be different...
7. Oberlin College was the first interracial and coeducational college in the United States.
This small liberal arts school was founded in 1833.
8. The official rock song of Ohio is "Hang On Sloopy."
John Tatgenhorst made an arrangement of "Hang on Sloopy" for The Ohio State University Marching Band in 1965. Tatgenhorst wrote it in about four hours after his mentor, Professor Charlie Spohn, made a late decision to include it in a band halftime show celebrating the arts on Oct. 9, 1965. It was an instant hit! Check out this video courtesy of The Ohio State University:
9. Ohio is home to the world's largest collection of trolls.
10. The first concrete street in America, which is still in use today, was poured in 1891 near the Logan County Courthouse in Bellefontaine, Ohio.
Fun fact: Bellefontaine is also home to the world's shortest street!
11. Ohio is home to the largest serpent effigy in the world.
The Great Serpent Mound is a 1,348-foot-long, three-foot-high prehistoric effigy mound located in Peebles, Ohio.
Did you know these quirky facts about Ohio? Any other weird-but-true Ohio facts you'd add to the list? Share them with us in the comments below! We're always looking to bone up on our Ohio history. And don't forget to show your state pride with this unique apparel from Wear Your Roots.
Love all things Ohio? Take a look at this stunning footage of Hocking Hills:
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
