OHIO, USA — If you’re from the Buckeye state, it’s time to celebrate because National Ohio Day is Nov. 2.
Each year, Ohio is recognized for being the 17th state to become an official part of the United States. Each of Ohio’s 88 counties holds a history that helped shape the Buckeye State into what it is today.
To help everyone celebrate, here are 10 facts about Ohio:
- Ohio is derived from the Iroquois word “oyo,” meaning “great river.”
- Seven U.S. presidents were born in Ohio: Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes, James Garfield, Benjamin Harrison, William McKinley, William H. Taft and Warren G. Harding.
- The burgee-shaped Ohio flag is the only non-rectangular state flag in the country.
- You may hear “Hang On Sloopy” whenever you go to Ohio State football games. The song is the state’s official rock song.
- Ohio is known as the Buckeye State, but what is a Buckeye? The buckeye tree bears fruit that contains a large nut. The tree got its name because it is dark brown with a light spot, resembling the shape and color of a deer’s eye.
- Ohio hosts teams in all five major professional sports leagues, including
- Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Guardians (MLB)
- Columbus Crew and FC Cincinnati (MLS)
- Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA)
- Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns (NFL)
- Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL)
- Ohio has two world-class theme parks – King’s Island in Mason, and Cedar Point in Sandusky – and more than a dozen smaller amusement parks that are local favorites. There are also indoor and outdoor waterparks around the state.
- The state beverage is tomato juice.
- The state slogan is “Ohio, The Heart of It All.”
- The biggest city in the state is Columbus.
