Being a parent and a writer has made me quite a curious person. Between the endless questions my kids throw my way *and* the research and reading required for my job, I am always asking questions and going down information rabbit holes. Simply put, I love learning about new things and random tidbits of information, and as an OnlyInYourState reader, I'm sure you do, too. Below are some unique trivia facts about Ohio I've discovered through my incessant inquiries and Googling, and here's to learning something new!
1. Ohio is home to the largest Amish population in the country.
All told, there are 76,000 Amish across several communities in Ohio, more than any other state and, in fact, the second-largest population of Old Order Amish in the world.
2. Speaking of superlatives, Ohio is home to the largest Oktoberfest in the US... and the second largest in the world!
Attracting upwards of 700,000 visitors each year, Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is the largest event in the country and counted among the most magnificent Oktoberfest celebrations in the world!
3. Life Savers were invented in Ohio.
These delicious hard candies were created as a way to enjoy something sweet in the summer that wouldn't melt (ahem, Hershey bars...).
4. The world's largest horseshoe crab lives in... Ohio?!?
Ohio might be a landlocked state (though we do adore our Third Coast!), but there's a superlative sea creature that calls out state home. Meet Crabbie, a fiberglass arthropod measuring 67 feet long, 28 feet wide, and 12 feet high. Crabbie has had four homes since his debut in 1997 and is currently enjoying tenure at 7592 OH-124, Hillsboro, OH, 45133.
5. The Ohio State Flag is an American anomaly; instead of a rectangle, it features a pennant design.
It's the only state flag in the United States with that design, in fact!
6. Ohio's first state capital wasn't Columbus...
...It was Chillicothe! In 1800, Chillicothe became the capital of the Northwest Territory and in 1802, hosted the Ohio Constitutional Convention, later becoming the first capital of Ohio at statehood in 1803. Affectionally called Ohio's First Capital, Chillicothe served as the capital of Ohio from 1803 until 1810 then again from 1812 to 1816. (During that two-year period between 1810-1812, Zanesville claimed the state capital crown.)
7. Cleveland is known as the City of Light.
With the flip of a switch, The Land became The City of Light in 1879. Cleveland's Public Square, then known as Monumental Park, was lit up with a new invention — the arc lamp — as Cleveland inventor Charles Brush held the first public demonstration of street lighting. Shine on, Cleveland!
8. Otherworldly and extraordinary, the Glacial Grooves on the north side of Ohio's Kelleys Island are the largest and most easily accessible great ice sheet grooves in the world.
They were created 18,000 years ago by the great ice sheet that covered part of North America and definitely belong on your Ohio bucket list!
9. Forget Nessie... Ohio is home to its own mythical monster!
According to local legend, Bessie is a name given to a lake monster swimming beneath the surface of Lake Erie. The first recorded sighting of Bessie occurred in 1817, and more sightings have occurred with alarming regularity ever since. We're quite proud of this local legend, though, with Great Lakes Brewing Company even creating an intense brew befitting of the beast!
What are your favorite facts about Ohio? The Buckeye State is an endlessly fascinating place -- one I'm proud to call home. Let's wear our Ohio pride proudly and share our state history unabashedly!
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