If you think Ohio is a follower, think again. Some of the most notable Ohio firsts include everything from important steps in American history to common objects and services we take for granted every day. Ohio was often at the forefront of significant changes in society, as these famous things from Ohio will show. What is Ohio known for? The following are 11 things Ohio did first that you may not have known about.
1. Ohio was the first state to enact laws protecting working women.
2. Ohio is home to the first interracial and coeducational college in the United States.
Pictured: Oberlin College, founded in 1833.
3. Ohio is believed to have been the first state to have an African American elected to public office.
John Mercer Langston, elected clerk of Brownhelm in 1854, is believed to have been the first African American ever elected to public office.
4. The first ever full-time automobile service station opened in Ohio in 1899.
5. Cleveland claims to have erected America’s first traffic light on Aug. 5, 1914.
This is definitely one of the most important inventions from Ohio.
6. The first concrete street in America was poured in 1891 near the Logan County Courthouse in Bellefontaine.
7. Cleveland also claims the site of the first pedestrian button for the control of a traffic light.
The 1948 demonstration took place at East 105th Street and Euclid Avenue.
8. Akron was the first city to use police cars.
9. In 1865, the first ambulance service was established in Cincinnati.
Of all the things Ohio did first, this is, without a doubt, one of the most important.
10. The first professional city fire department was in Cincinnati.
11. Cleveland was the first city to be lighted by electricity.
Were you aware of all of these Ohio firsts? Which of these inventions from Ohio surprised you? Are there any other things famous things from Ohio that we missed? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! Then, celebrate your Ohio state pride by picking up some gear from Wear Your Roots.
If you know of any other fun facts about Ohio, send them our way for the chance to see your suggestion(s) featured in an upcoming article!
This list certainly makes us appreciate Ohio a little bit more. Another great thing about the Buckeye State is that it's brimming with quaint small towns. One of our favorites is Lebanon, and this video by us at OnlyInYourState highlights the perfect weekend in this charming, historic town:
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