Ohio, nicknamed the “Buckeye State,” is located in the Midwestern United States and is known for several distinctive things that make it stand out among other states. From its famous residents to iconic foods, popular sports teams, and unique attractions, Ohio has plenty to offer visitors and residents alike. This article will explore the most notable things that Ohio is known for and provide an overview of the state’s proudest claims to fame.
Ohio’s Most Famous People
Neil Armstrong
Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the moon, was born in Wapakoneta, Ohio in 1930. After becoming a NASA astronaut, Armstrong stepped foot on the moon on July 20, 1969 uttering the famous words “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” Armstrong studied aeronautical engineering at Purdue University and served as a fighter pilot in the Korean War. After retiring from NASA, he taught aerospace engineering at the University of Cincinnati. Armstrong died in 2012 at age 82.
The Wright Brothers
Brothers Orville and Wilbur Wright, pioneering aviators and inventors, were both born in Dayton, Ohio. The Wright Brothers ran a bicycle repair shop while studying the fundamentals of flight. On December 17, 1903 near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, the Wright Brothers achieved the first sustained, controlled, powered flight aboard their experimental aircraft named the Wright Flyer. Their breakthrough achievements ushered in the era of modern aviation. The Wright Brothers remain famous Ohioans for their innovation in aeronautics.
John Glenn
John Glenn was the first American astronaut to orbit the Earth, completing three orbits in 1962. Before joining NASA, Glenn served as a fighter pilot in World War II and the Korean War. In addition to his groundbreaking spaceflight, Glenn later served as a U.S. Senator from Ohio for over 25 years from 1974 to 1999. John Glenn was born in Cambridge, Ohio in 1921 and died in 2016 at the age of 95. Ohio has produced many aviation pioneers, with Glenn among the most famous.
Annie Oakley
Annie Oakley was an iconic American sharpshooter born Phoebe Ann Moses in 1860 in Darke County, Ohio. Oakley joined Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show in 1885, gaining fame for her shooting feats including splitting playing cards edge-wise from long distances. Known as “Little Sure Shot,” Oakley toured in the Wild West show for some 15 years and performed before royalty including Queen Victoria. Oakley died in Ohio in 1926 at age 66.
Thomas Edison
Although not born in Ohio, famed American inventor Thomas Edison spent much of his life in the state. When Edison was 7, his family moved to Port Huron, Michigan from Ohio. Later in life, Edison established one of his main laboratories and plants in West Orange, New Jersey. However, Edison grew up in Ohio and returned later in life, settling in Milan, Ohio in his elder years. During his lifetime, Edison obtained an astounding 1,093 U.S. patents becoming renowned as the greatest inventor in American history.
Artists
Ohio has been home to many notable artists over the years. Famous Ohio artists include painter Robert Henri who founded the Ashcan School of American realism; African American painter Henry Ossawa Tanner known for his biblical themes; and Norman Rockwell, the celebrated painter and illustrator behind the iconic 20th century Americana works. Ohio has also produced remarkable photographers like Annie Leibovitz and Robert Mapplethorpe.
Entertainers
The entertainment industry has many stars who hail from Ohio. Actors include Clark Gable, Paul Newman, Katie Holmes, Halle Berry, Steven Spielberg and Woody Harrelson. Comedians Tim Conway, Drew Carey and Dave Chappelle were born in Ohio. Musicians from Ohio encompass The Isley Brothers, John Legend, Kid Cudi and Dave Grohl among others. Famous radio and TV host Phil Donahue also comes from Ohio.
Inventors
Aside from Thomas Edison, Ohio is home to other noteworthy inventors. Charles F. Kettering, born in Loudonville, Ohio, held over 140 patents and was known for advances in automobiles and other innovations. Charles Goodyear, who invented the vulcanization process to create rubber, was born in New Haven but spent much of his life in northeast Ohio. Garrett Morgan of Cleveland invented the three-position traffic signal and early gas masks, among other devices. Ohio has fostered many inventive pioneers.
Presidents
Ohio has produced 7 presidents, earning it the nickname “Mother of Presidents.” William Henry Harrison, born in Charles City, Virginia, moved to Ohio as an adult and later became the 9th U.S. President, though he only served 32 days. Ulysses S. Grant, a Civil War general and 18th President, was born in Point Pleasant, Ohio. Rutherford B. Hayes, James A. Garfield, Benjamin Harrison, William McKinley and Warren G. Harding were all elected President while residing in Ohio. No other state except Virginia has produced more U.S. Presidents.
Iconic Ohio Foods
From sweet treats to savory dishes, food helps define Ohio’s cultural identity. Iconic Ohio originated foods include:
- Buckeyes – Chocolate and peanut butter confections resembling the nut of Ohio’s state tree.
- Cincinnati Chili – A Greek-inspired meat sauce usually served over spaghetti noodles.
- Cleveland-style pizza – Features a thick, chewy crust topped with hearty tomato sauce.
- Sauerkraut Balls – Deep-fried balls of sauerkraut mixed with mashed potatoes and meat.
- Glier’s Goetta – Slices of meat mixed with steel-cut oats, popular in Cincinnati.
- Puppy Chow – Chex cereal coated in peanut butter, chocolate, and powdered sugar.
- Graeter’s Ice Cream – Rich French pot ice cream from Ohio’s oldest craft ice cream brand.
- Marionberry Pie – Blackberry flavored pie said to originate from Marion, Ohio.
- Buckeye Candy – Peanut butter fudge often partly dipped in chocolate.
| Ohio Iconic Foods | Notes |
|---|---|
| Buckeyes | Chocolate-peanut butter confections |
| Cincinnati Chili | Meat sauce served over spaghetti |
| Cleveland-style Pizza | Thick crust pizza with hearty sauce |
| Sauerkraut Balls | Fried balls with sauerkraut and meat |
| Glier’s Goetta | Fried meat and steel-cut oats slices |
| Puppy Chow | Chex cereal coated in peanut butter and chocolate |
| Graeter’s Ice Cream | Craft French pot ice cream |
| Marionberry Pie | Blackberry pie said to come from Marion, Ohio |
| Buckeye Candy | Peanut butter fudge partly dipped in chocolate |
Ohio’s rich agricultural traditions combined with cultural influences have yielded several quintessential local dishes and ingredients. From buckeyes to Cincinnati chili, the state has numerous iconic foods.
Popular Sports Teams
Sports are a major part of Ohio’s culture, with the state home to many professional and collegiate teams. Here are some of Ohio’s most popular and renowned sports teams.
NFL Football
- Cleveland Browns – One of the NFL’s classic teams, the Browns have a loyal fanbase despite ups and downs since re-forming in 1999. Players like Jim Brown, Bernie Kosar and Joe Thomas have become franchise legends.
- Cincinnati Bengals – Formed as an expansion team in 1968, stars like Boomer Esiason, Chad Johnson and QB Joe Burrow have made the Bengals playoff contenders. Super Bowl appearances in 1982 and 1989.
MLB Baseball
- Cincinnati Reds – Baseball’s first professional team, founded in 1869. The 1990 World Series champs remain Ohio’s only current MLB franchise. Pete Rose, Johnny Bench and Joe Morgan are team legends.
- Cleveland Guardians – Formerly the Cleveland Indians since 1915, the renamed Guardians are charter American League members who play in classic Progressive Field.
NBA Basketball
- Cleveland Cavaliers – With superstar LeBron James, the Cavs won the NBA title in 2016, ending the Cleveland sports curse. Other greats include Mark Price and Brad Daugherty.
NHL Hockey
- Columbus Blue Jackets – Central Ohio’s first major league team began NHL play in 2000. Rick Nash and Sergei Bobrovsky are among the franchise stars so far.
College Sports
- Ohio State Buckeyes – Ohio State has a particularly strong college sports tradition, competing in the Big Ten Conference. Football is the most popular, but basketball, baseball, and more also have passionate fan support.
Ohio’s professional sports teams like the Browns and Reds enjoy avid followers, while collegiate athletics led by the Ohio State Buckeyes add to the state’s robust sports culture.
Unique Attractions and Places
Beyond sports and famous figures, Ohio has some unique attractions and landmarks that make it distinctive:
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Located in downtown Cleveland, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is dedicated to chronicling the history of rock music and honoring its influential figures. Opening in 1995, highlights include exhibits on artists like the Beatles, U2, Elvis Presley and Madonna plus iconic fashion and musical instruments. Over a half-million visitors per year enjoy this one-of-a-kind museum.
Cedar Point
Cedar Point amusement park in Sandusky contains some of the world’s tallest and fastest roller coasters like the GateKeeper, Millennium Force and Top Thrill Dragster. Cedar Point sits on a Lake Erie peninsula and spans 364 acres with 71 rides in total. Since opening in 1870, it’s known as the “roller coaster capital of the world.”
National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
Near Dayton lies the official museum of the U.S. Air Force with vast collections of aircraft, spacecraft and technology. See planes from World War I biplanes to modern stealth jets and bombers across 340,000 square feet of exhibit space. The museum houses the presidential planes used by Roosevelt, Eisenhower and Kennedy among its attractions.
Pro Football Hall of Fame
The Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton memorializes the greatest NFL players, coaches and contributors through exhibits and bronzed busts. Football legends enshrined include Jim Brown, Joe Montana, Walter Payton and Jerry Rice. The museum includes the iconic Hall of Fame Game held annually in Canton.
Amish Country
Ohio has the world’s largest Amish population, centered in the east central region. Visitors can take in the horse-drawn buggies, simple living and goods like quilts and baked goods from this unique community denying modern technology. Amish Country provides an immersive historical experience via museums and tours.
From rock music to roller coasters, football history to Amish culture, Ohio contains many distinctive destinations showcasing the state’s heritage and innovations. The unique attractions give Ohio its own character and appeal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ohio has made many significant contributions to American culture spanning famous figures, foods, sports, and sights. As the “heart of it all,” Ohio has claim to the roots of aviation, over a half-dozen U.S. Presidents, a rich sports legacy, and iconic attractions like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Neil Armstrong’s moon landing, the Wright Brothers’ first flight, Cleveland sports teams, Cincinnati chili, and Amish Country all help define Ohio’s identity. From historical sites like the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force to the innovation of inventors like Thomas Edison and Charles Kettering, Ohio’s fingerprints are all over technology and society.
With its diverse cities and landscapes from Lake Erie to Appalachian foothills, Ohio offers a blend of heritage and progress. The Buckeye State’s wide-ranging points of pride make it a unique cross-section of Americana. Ohio’s brands like Goodyear tires, Progressive Insurance, Wendy’s and Abercrombie & Fitch have spread statewide pride across the nation. The state has also produced an array of talented athletes, entertainers, artists, and leaders.
Ohio’s melting pot has even yielded its own genre of music in Cleveland rock. In many ways, Ohio encompasses a microcosm of America’s evolution from the innovation of aviation and light bulbs to the heartland values of farms and small towns. So whether your interests include football, rollercoasters, history or food, there is something for everyone to discover in Ohio’s distinctive attractions and people. From astronaut ice cream to Cincinnati chili spaghetti, rock n’ roll to buckeyes, Ohio offers a taste of uniquely American culture.
Frequently Asked Questions About What Ohio is Known For
What food is Ohio most known for?
Some of the most iconic Ohio foods include buckeyes, Cincinnati chili, Cleveland-style pizza, sauerkraut balls, goetta, puppy chow, Graeter’s ice cream, and buckeye candy. Agricultural traditions combined with cultural influences have made certain dishes synonymous with Ohio.
What things is Cleveland Ohio known for?
As Ohio’s second largest city, Cleveland is known for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, sports teams like the Browns, Cavaliers and Guardians, Cuyahoga National Park, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Cleveland Museum of Art, and its association with the history of rock music as well as its radio disc jockey Alan Freed who coined the term “rock and roll.”
Is Ohio known for aviation?
Yes, Ohio is known as the “Birthplace of Aviation” due to the many pioneering aviators from the state such as the Wright Brothers, Neil Armstrong, and John Glenn. The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is located in Ohio, further cementing its aviation legacy.
What companies or products are from Ohio?
Major companies and brands from Ohio include Procter & Gamble, Goodyear, Abercrombie & Fitch, Wendy’s, Progressive Insurance, Owens Corning, Eaton, and Marathon Petroleum.
What inventions were created in Ohio?
Famous inventors from Ohio include Thomas Edison who spent much of his life there, Charles Kettering known for automotive technology, Charles Goodyear who developed vulcanized rubber, and Garrett Morgan who invented traffic lights and gas masks.
Is Ohio known for any music or entertainment?
Yes, Ohio’s association with rock and roll history as home to early DJ Alan Freed and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame have contributed to its reputation in music. Many famous entertainers and artists come from Ohio as well, including Dave Chappelle, Steven Spielberg, Katie Holmes, Paul Newman, Halle Berry, and Marilyn Monroe.
What kind of sports is Ohio known for?
Ohio is known for college sports, especially Ohio State football, along with popular professional teams like the NFL’s Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals, MLB’s Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds, and NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets. Ohio has passionate sports fans across different leagues.