Ohio: Exploring America’s Heartland
Ohio is a Midwestern state full of history and natural wonders, making it an ideal destination for travelers who are interested in learning about the country’s past and taking in the outdoors. Home to the first city in the United States, Cleveland, as well as the world’s largest Amish community in Geauga County, Ohio offers a unique mix of culture, countryside and city life. Read on for a closer look at Ohio’s interesting history and great places to visit.
Ohio’s Unique History
The first city to be established in the United States was Marietta, Ohio. As part of the Northwest Ordinance, Colonel Benjamin Tupper and forty-nine other pioneers started a new and unique community near the Muskingum River. These first settlers, known as the “First Families of Ohio,” had the distinction of bringing the newest and most modern technologies to the area, including an early version of a telephone, the telegraph and printing techniques.
The Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by slaves to escape the South in the early to mid 1800s, ran through Ohio. The natural landscape of the area provided an ideal means of transportation, with the winding creeks, rivers and marshes of the area making the pursuit of freedom by African Americans more secure.
Another important event in Ohio’s history is the Great Flood of 1913. Heavy rainfall, combined with melting snows, caused a devastating flood that in just three days rose twenty-five feet over normal river levels and swept away towns and farms. The event changed the Ohio River forever, as flood control measures were put in place to ensure that it would not happen again.
Explore Ohio’s Natural Wonders
Ohio is an incredibly scenic state to explore, from the Great Lakes region and Lake Erie to the Appalachian Mountains and Cuyahoga Valley National Park. In the north, the 5,800-acre Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a great place to explore and enjoy hiking, biking, fishing and camping. Or, visit Hocking Hills State Park in the south and take in the spectacular landscapes and abundant wildlife. Those interested in the state’s geological history can visit the numerous abandoned mines and quarries in the area.
In addition to its stunning scenery, Ohio is home to some of America’s most vibrant metropolises. With large cities like Cleveland and Columbus, visitors can enjoy the unique cultures, lively nightlife scenes, and world-class attractions such as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Columbus Museum of Art.
Learn Ohio’s Local Culture
No visit to Ohio is complete without taking the time to experience the state’s unique local cultures. Head to Geauga County and visit the world’s largest Amish community, where one can take in the unusual lifestyle of the Old Order Amish people. Or, make the trip to Toledo and explore their booming art and theater scene.
No matter what you’re into, Ohio has something for everyone. From its fascinating history to its vibrant culture, America’s Heartland will be sure to leave a lasting impression on any traveler.