You are here: Home / Archives for United States

Ohio’s Official and Unofficial State Foods

State fruit - Tomato 

Image via Wikipedia

 

Every state is famous for certain foods and beverages, just like they have state animals, state flowers and state birds. It isn’t commonly thought of, so finding the information was time consuming, but the foods Ohio is famous for may surprise people. 

 

In Reynoldsburg, Ohio Paragon tomatoes were ultimately developed (invented) by A. W. Livingston and used by the local populations in colonial Ohio. 

 

Since tomatoes were so common and grew so well in Ohio’s climate and landscapes it made sense that their state drink would be tomato juice. Tomato juice is delicious, especially when mixed with the juices of other fruits or vegetables, like apple or carrot juices. 

 

Ohio is the Place for Corn and Soy Beans, but not Officially 

The top producing crops in Ohio are corn and soy beans, although Ohio is the number two egg producer and number one Swiss Cheese producer in the US. Tomatoes are actually the number three product of Ohio. Averaging 186 acres per farm, the state has over 80,000 farms to produce food. 

 

Cincinnati has long been known as “Porkopolis” because of its high number of pig farms and pork packing plants, but it wasn‘t really officially named by law for the food, like tomato juice. Another food that’s associated with Ohio is the Shaker Lemon Pie. The Shakers and the Amish settled many parts around Canton, Ohio. 

 

Ohio’s official state tree (written into law) is the Buckeye, although there is no official food product made from Buckeyes. There is a Buckeye candy, but it has no relation to the tree except for appearance of the Buckeye.

 

 

Filed Under: Events, Travel Tagged With: , , ,

Ohio Becomes a State at Last

Though the official date of Ohio’s statehood is March 1, 1803 it is an interesting story as to how Ohio wasn’t “officially” a state until a mistake was discovered and corrected in 1953. Jefferson was president on February 19, 1803 when Congress approved Ohio’s constitution and boundaries, but failed to pass a resolution that would formally admit Ohio into the Union as the 17th state. This was in part due to the fact that Congress hadn’t started the practice of declaring the official statehood of a state until 1812 when Louisiana was accepted into the union as the 18th state.  In truth a formal resolution admitting Ohio into the United States wasn’t necessary, but still being seen as an oversight George H. Bender recognized the situation and introduced a bill to Congress requesting that Ohio be admitted into the Union and making the resolution retroactive to march 1, 1803.  The Ohio state legislature held a special session at the old state capital located in Chillicothe. There they approved the petition for statehood and then had it delivered to Washington, D.C. by horseback.  It was on Ohio’s 150th anniversary as a state that on August 7, 1953 then President Eisenhower signed Ohio into the United States declaring that March 1, 1803 was the official date of Ohio’s admittance into the Union.

Filed Under: Government, News Tagged With: , ,

The land, people and culture of buckeye state

The state Ohio or the buckeye state as it is called has a only one of its kind culture and land. People living in Ohio are well versed with the culture of their land. The events and entertainment are well spread across the length and breadth of the state of Ohio. Different sports are practiced in Ohio. The availability of mountainous regions and rivers provides opportunities to practice many sporting activities. The outdoor activities that are practiced are varied. People usually carry out many adventurous sports in the mountains. Water sports too are carried out in large numbers. Except water and mountainous sporting activities people love photography, horse riding, hunting and many other recreational activities. Ohio news is famous all from corner to corner the America. People of America love to listen to Ohio news due to popularity of the land and its residents. Various events occur in different parts and regions of Ohio given rise to the entertainment factor as well as add to the amusing culture of the land. Different sports are played passionately by the Ohioans. The weather remains moderate all over the year. The state of Ohio at times is known for its well spread crime. Property and individual crime is spread all over the state. Rising crime has become a serious matter of concern for the people as well the government of Ohio. Ohio news carries all the details about crime in the state as well as measures taken by the government to curb it. The buckeye state has got some of the famous places which attract tourists from all over the world. Ohio is full of adventurous places, amusing cultural activities and friendly people that truly make this place a tourist paradise.

Filed Under: General, Travel Tagged With: , ,

Exploring the Ohioan state

Ohio which lies in the eastern north central of America is the 7 largest state of America in terms of population. This Ohioan state has various things of interest that can be explored. The basic area of interest lies in outdoors and adventure, arts and entertainment, historical places, and the lodging and dining places all across Ohio. The flow of news is well spread across length and breath of this state. Crime is a thing which due high rise has become a serious matter of concern. The mountains and rivers offer people different outdoor activities. Different sporting activities are carried out by the Ohioans. Hiking, camping, rock climbing, photography, horse riding, and fishing are very famous here. The arts and entertainment forms the base of the Ohio travel. Festivities and celebrations are common and celebrated all through out the year. Events of art and culture are full of festivity and fun. Hocking hills is a place which has historical importance attached to it. It is a huge tourist attraction for people all over the world. River Erie is yet another place which can be explored. People visit this place in large numbers. The sunbath costal plain gives a mesmerizing view to the people. The entire ambience around river Erie is astonishing and breathtaking. People visiting Ohio can explore various aspects of the Ohio travel. The Sports and entertainment of Ohio surpasses any other state of America. The country side visit is quite peaceful and mesmerizing whereas visit to metropolitan areas provide fast pace to the Ohio getaway. Nightlife can be enjoyed the best in Ohio. The sports, news, crime, and different events across Ohio truly add to the entertainment factor of Ohioans and can best be explored at ease.

Filed Under: Climate, Travel Tagged With: , ,

Finding History: The National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center

Stepping back into Ohio’s history is easily done when you visit the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center located in Dayton, Ohio. The museum offers a broad range of programming for both adults and children that brings to life the fascinating story of African Americans in the state. There are museums displays that take you from the early days when African-Americans first entered the state into the 20th century and beyond through the turbulent years of the Civil Rights Movement.

For example, the display titled “From Victory to Freedom: Afro-American Life in the Fifties,” takes you through the period from 1945 to 1965. Starting with the end of the war, you will take a walk through this time by looking at actual items from the period, photos and three-dimensional settings. This includes a fifties barbershop and the interior of a church. The scenery comes to life with recordings of music and the voices of those who lived through this period. You can also get an inside look at African-Americans’ contribution to the history of music by watching a short film titled “Music As a Metaphor.”

The museum is also home to traveling and temporary exhibitions that feature a singular topic. Teachers can also bring their classes to the museum to take part in various educational programs. Presented by the museum staff, these programs take children into their state’s history by presenting it on a level that they can understand. Programs are geared for different age groups. Schools can contact the museum for further information and to schedule a class visit.

The National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center is a destination that should be high on your list the next time you visit Ohio. It will change how you see the state’s history and provides education to the general public through enjoyable and engaging presentations. They also help to keep the contributions of African-Americans to the state from being forgotten.

Filed Under: Events, News Tagged With: , , ,

Ohio Civil War Sentiment and Contribution

The Civil War divided the United States during the period from 1861 to 1865. States were often divided as to which side would be supported, and Ohio was not immune from the worst effects. Ohio had its own unique situation, which had started with its early settlement. There was a large proportion of whites who had established settlements near the Ohio River, having come from the south. Many of these individuals have families still residing in the southern states who owned slaves.

These settlers were part of a group called the Peace Democrats, who firmly believed that the war should not be fought. Other members of this group included those who feared that freed slaves would take away white jobs, those who wanted to avoid the killing that would occur, who were against a draft or who did not want to leave their families behind.

Despite their presence in the state, Ohio was an active participant in the effort against secession. The state sent over 260 regiments to war, equaling a total of 310,654 soldiers. The sons of Ohio saw action in every battle throughout the fighting, along with many who went to serve the union effort as officers. Ohio sent to the union some of its most talented generals, some of whom helped bring the war to an end. These include such figures as Ulysses S. Grant, Philip Sheridan, William Tecumseh Sherman and Don Carlos Buell. Sherman is best known for his march to the sea, where he brought modern warfare to the Confederate countryside. Grant took the lead of the Union Army and turned it aggressively against Lee’s forces, bringing them to an eventual surrender.

Though divided in some respects, Ohio did come to the aid of the Union and delivered results. Its sacrifice of lost sons, fathers, brothers and husbands help to ensure that the union stayed together.

Filed Under: Events Tagged With: , , ,

A Visit to Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial

If you are traveling through Ohio, you should take a stop at Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial. This beautiful spot honors those who were killed and did the fighting during the Battle of Lake Erie in the War of 1812. It also serves as a testament to the peaceful relationship between the United States, England and Canada. The memorial itself consists of a Doric style column that is 352 feet tall. There are elevators available for those who are unable to use stairs to reach the platform deck.

The memorial is not the only thing that that the park has to offer. There is a visitors center that features the story of the Battle of Lake Erie and gives you an in-depth look into the determined leadership of Oliver Hazard Perry. At the rank of Commodore, he took his ship out to sea from the harbor that was located near the park and into battle. Leading the vessels under his command, Perry defeated the British hands down and made his name in history. These events are introduced also in the park film that is shown in the visitor center.

For a different flavor, you can get outside and take in the view of the memorial by climbing to the top. The deck of the memorial is 317 feet over the lake. Starting in June, rangers at the park will do both interpretive talks and living history. During living history presentations, staff are in period uniforms and you can watch them either fire off flintlock muskets or cannon. The reenactors will be able to explain the process, the life of a soldier during this time and answer any questions you may have.

Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial is well worth a visit, and should definitely be put on your spring vacation list of stops. Your family can get both an enjoyable experience and learn at the same time.

Filed Under: Events Tagged With: , , ,

Ancient Builders in Ohio History

Ohio has a history that stretches back to ancient times, all the way to 200 B.C. You can see some of their structures at Hopewell Culture National Historical Park located in Chillcothe, Ohio. Here, ancient builders constructed mounds of various shapes to use in ceremonies that were part of their culture. They were originally built in the time period between 200 B.C. and 500 A.D. The cultures that built these mounds were a dynamic people that were active spiritually, economically and were very active in trade. They had a strong trade relationship with their neighbors, garnering items such as shark teeth, copper and obsidian rock. The various cultures along this trade routes are highlighted at Hopewell.

You can begin your visit to the park by watching a short film and then stroll through the museum. In here, you will be able to see many of the artifacts that were found during excavations near the mounds. Park rangers also conduct interpretive talks and guided tours, which are offered during the summer season. You will need to make arrangements with the park to get involved in these activities.

When you get outside, you can guide yourself through the trail that winds among the mounds. There are numerous signs along the way that explain the history of the area and give details about the culture along with how they constructed these massive earthworks. For those with a more adventurous spirit, you can take a 14 mile long bike trail, called the Tri-county Triangle Trail, which is paved. The park also hosts special events, such as Hopewell Discovery Day. During this event, families can see demonstrations of flintknapping and take guided tours of the mounds. For a bit of ancient history and a wonderful day out, Hopewell Culture National Historical Park is the perfect place for you and your family to go.

Filed Under: News Tagged With: , , ,

The Inside Story on William Howard Taft

William Howard Taft National Historic Site found in Cincinnati, Ohio shows the life he lived before he entered the White House as the President of the United States and a justice of the Supreme Court. Taft spent the major portion of his early life in this home, from his birth all the way up to 1857 when his political career took him to new places. This environment and his family played a crucial part in shaping who he became and his personal philosophy that he took with him when he entered politics.

Visitors coming to the park can take a ranger led tour through the home, seeing numerous exhibits. They will learn the history of the home, its inhabitants and Taft’s contributions to our nation’s history. Staff in period costume give talks on the histroy at the time, including family traditions and various personal items they used on a daily basis.

Special events are also offered, with candle light tours being done from late Novemebter through the second of Janurary. The Taft home is decorated for the holidays, Victorian style, and visitors can partake of holiday snacks. They will also get to learn how the Taft family celebrated the holidays. This event is free for the general public to take part in, giving your family a special treat during the holiday season. You can also take part in the New Year’s Day Open House.

The park is open year-round from 8 A.M. to 4 P.M. daily. If you would like to take a guided tour, they are given on a rotation of every 30 minutes throughout the day. The last one to go out is at 3:30 in the afternoon. William Howard Taft National Historic Site is a pleasant walk through the history of one of our greatest presidents and is well worth the stop.

Filed Under: News Tagged With: , , ,

Brush Your Way Through the Toledo Museum of Art

Art lovers who visit Ohio who want to stop at the Toledo Museum of Art. This museum houses over 35,000 pieces of art from across the United States that are displayed in approximately 35 galleries. It was started in 1901, and has been very popular since its inception not only for its quality art collection but also for its free admission. Besides the standard collection that visitors can see anytime of the year, the facility also rotates out several temporary exhibitions on various subjects. This museum is also one of the most visited ones in the country, with a yearly attendance of more than 470,000 people.

Besides housing pieces of art, the museum also brings visitors into the experience with guided tours given by trained docents, after school programs and glass demonstrations that make art come alive for the general public. On Fridays, parents can bring their children in for various activities that make for an evening of fun and quality time together.

It also features an outdoor Sculpture Garden along with the recently finished Glass Pavilion. The works on display are done by some of the most talented and creative artists in history, including: Matisse, Monet, Van Gogh, El Greco, Holbein and Rubens. There are also pieces from ancient times, Asia and you can stroll through their incredible collection of glass pieces.

The admission is free to the general collection, there may be a fee to attend any special exhibitions. Parking is five dollars, but you can park for free by becoming a member of the museum or by spending a certain amount in the gift shop. It is open from 10 to 4 Tuesday through Thursday, 10 to 10 on Friday, 10 to 6 on Saturday and 12 to 6 on Sunday. The Toledo Museum of Art is well worth a day’s visit, where you can stroll through the endless galleries and enjoy a beautiful art.

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: ,