National Ohio Day on Nov. 2: facts about the Buckeye State
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) - Ohio is full of history, entertainment, culture and more throughout its 88 counties, and Saturday is the day where everyone can celebrate the Buckeye State. That's because Nov. 2 is National Ohio Day.
Every year, the national day recognizes Ohio for being the 17th state to join the United States, according to the National Calendar Day. Below are some fun facts about Ohio.
State flag: Called the Ohio burgee, the flag was designed by John Eisenmann in 1901. It was adopted as the state flag in 1902.
State slogan: "Ohio, The Heart of it All"
Ohio Presidents: Known as the "Mother of Presidents," seven presidents were born in Ohio. They are Ulysses S. Grant (Point Pleasant), Rutherford Hayes (Delaware), James Garfield (Orange Township - now Moreland Hills), Benjamin Harrison (North Bend), William McKinley (Niles), William Taft (Cincinnati) and Warren Harding (Corsica, now Blooming Grove).
State bird: Cardinal, adopted in 1933
State pet: Shelter pet, adopted in 2019. The Ohio Legislature named the shelter pet as Ohio’s official state pet to raise awareness of the high numbers of cats and dogs waiting for homes at animal shelters around the state.
State tree: Ohio Buckeye tree, adopted in 1953
State fruit: Tomato, adopted in 2009
State native fruit: Pawpaw, adopted in 2009. Each year, the state holds its annual Pawpaw Festival celebrating the fruit.
State flower: Red Carnation, adopted in 1904. The flower was a favorite of Ohio-born president William McKinley, who often wore one on his jacket. The red carnation was named the state flower in honor after his assassination.
Ohio theme parks: Cedar Point in Sandusky and King's Island in Mason
State parks: Ohio is home to eight national parks, two national trails, 23 national natural landmarks and 76 national historic landmarks. The state park system has more than 70 parks and 1,000 miles of trails.
Professional Sporting Teams: Columbus Crew, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Guardians, Cleveland Cavaliers, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Columbus Blue Jackets and FC Cincinnati.
Pro Football Hall of Fame: Located in Canton. The NFL was founded in Canton on Sept. 17, 1920.