Ohio Quick Facts

This section of Ohio History Central provides access to basic facts about the State of Ohio, as they pertain to demographics, state symbols, politics, education and a timeline history by age.

Basic Facts

1. Name: From Iroquois word meaning "great river"
2. Statehood: On February 19, 1803 Congress passed an act stating that the citizens of Ohio had adopted a constitution in accordance with the 1802 enabling act and the said state had become one of the United States of America. The Ohio General Assembly met for the first time in Chillicothe on March 1, 1803, the date Ohioans now celebrate as Statehood Day.
3. Capitals
   1. Chillicothe: 1803 - 1809
   2. Zanesville: 1809 - 1812
   3. Chillicothe: 1812 - 1816
   4. Columbus: 1816 - present
4. Nickname: Buckeye State
5. Total Population: 11,353,140 (as of 2000 census)