Ohio is a Midwestern state at the heart of American culture, birthplace of eight U.S. presidents, and home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Pro Football Hall of Fame, and Cedar Point — the 'Roller Coaster Capital of the World.' From Cleveland's revitalized lakefront to Columbus's thriving Short North arts district, Cincinnati's unique chili culture, and the breathtaking caves and waterfalls of Hocking Hills, Ohio offers remarkable variety for every traveler.
Historical timeline
Key moments that shaped Ohio.
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1
Hopewell culture constructs massive earthwork complexes across Ohio including the Newark Earthworks
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2
Northwest Ordinance passed — Ohio organized as free territory (no slavery permitted)
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3
Ohio becomes the 17th US state; Chillicothe serves as first state capital
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4
Ohio & Erie Canal connects Lake Erie and the Ohio River, transforming trade and settlement
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5
Morgan's Raid — last Confederate incursion into Ohio during the Civil War
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6
John D. Rockefeller founds Standard Oil in Cleveland
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7
Wright Brothers (Dayton, OH) achieve first controlled powered airplane flight at Kitty Hawk
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8
Cuyahoga River catches fire in Cleveland — catalyzes the Clean Water Act and environmental movement
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9
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame opens in Cleveland
Historical sites
Places where Ohio's past comes alive.
Serpent Mound
Where: Peebles, Adams County
Admission: Adults $8, Children (5–12) $5
Newark Earthworks
Where: Newark, Licking County
Admission: Adults $8, Children (5–12) $4
Ohio History Center and Ohio Village
Where: Columbus
Admission: Adults $16, Children (3–17) $11
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Where: Cincinnati
Admission: Adults $18, Children (3–12) $12
James A. Garfield National Historic Site
Where: Mentor
Admission: Adults $10, Children (15 and under) free