Published Oct 28, 2015

This Is What Ohio Looked Like 100 Years Ago…It May Surprise You

Published Oct 28, 2015

Written by

April Dray

State Pride|History

Updated Jul 8, 2024

Some People Don’t Know That Ohio Was The First To Do These 11 Things

Ohio has been a pioneer in various significant societal changes and innovations.

Updated Jul 8, 2024

Written by

April Dray

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:

State Pride|History

Updated Jun 22, 2024

Here Are The Oldest Photos Ever Taken In Ohio And They’re Incredible

A collection of old photos showcases Ohio's history from the late 1800s to early 1900s.

Updated Jun 22, 2024

Written by

Catherine Armstrong

It's fascinating to take a look back in time, isn't it? The Buckeye State has a rich and interesting history, and we've gathered a few of the oldest Ohio pictures for your perusal. These old photos taken in Ohio show us just how different life was back in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Imagine riding in a horse and buggy to get from one side of the city to the other. The women in these photos have on full-length dresses (with petticoats underneath!), and the men wouldn't dream of going out without a hat. Take a look at these historic Ohio photos from more than 100 years ago:

1. Columbus (1903): The Ohio State Penitentiary operated from 1834 to 1984.

2. Cincinnati (1905): Elm Street's horses and buggies made their way down this unpaved main thoroughfare.

3. Cleveland (1903) The Union League Club opened in 1873 and is still functioning today at 1211 Euclid Avenue.

4. Columbus (1904) This was the third Chittendon Hotel, built after the two previous buildings burned to the ground. It was demolished in 1973.

5. Cleveland (1900): Here's the City Square - a bustling place even back then!

6. Cleveland (1900): The Hollenden Hotel opened in 1885 and enjoyed a heyday for decades, but was demolished in 1962.

7. Columbus (1905): High Street certainly looked a lot different back then.

8. Cincinnati (1915): Main Street was bustling with activity in this old picture of Ohio.

9. Mount Vernon (1904): These men are on their way to the State Tuberculosis-Consumption Sanatorium.

alt — Don...The UpNorth Memories Guy/flickr

10. Cleveland (1900): Euclid Avenue was a quiet, stately thoroughfare.

11. Toledo (1905): Summit Street was a busy street during the day.

12. Cleveland (1900): When men wore suits, women wore long skirts, and everyone wore hats to the amusement park.

13. Cleveland (1905): Look at the street cars on Superior Street!

14. Cincinnati (1910): Students walking on the campus of The University of Cincinnati.

15. New Philadelphia (1904) A humorous postcard pointing out the area's great soil and hard-working potato farmers.

alt — Don...The UpNorth Memories Guy/flickr

16. Cincinnati (1905): The Mount Adams Incline was a funicular in the Mount Adams neighborhood, one of five in the city. It was torn down in 1948.

Take a look at this slide show of some more of the oldest Ohio pictures that were archived by the Library of Congress, then watch the other videos posted on YouTube user oldstuff4all:

What do you think of these photos? Can you imagine living in Ohio more than 100 years ago? If you're a fan of living in Ohio, check out the great Buckeye State gear available from Wear Your Roots.

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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.

3. Ohio is believed to have been the first state to have an African American 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.

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.

8. Akron was the first city to use police cars.

9. In 1865, the first ambulance service was established in Cincinnati.

10. The first professional city fire department was in Cincinnati.

11. Cleveland was the first city to be lighted by electricity.

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Get the latest updates and news

1. Columbus (1903): The Ohio State Penitentiary operated from 1834 to 1984.

2. Cincinnati (1905): Elm Street's horses and buggies made their way down this unpaved main thoroughfare.

3. Cleveland (1903) The Union League Club opened in 1873 and is still functioning today at 1211 Euclid Avenue.

4. Columbus (1904) This was the third Chittendon Hotel, built after the two previous buildings burned to the ground. It was demolished in 1973.

5. Cleveland (1900): Here's the City Square - a bustling place even back then!

6. Cleveland (1900): The Hollenden Hotel opened in 1885 and enjoyed a heyday for decades, but was demolished in 1962.

7. Columbus (1905): High Street certainly looked a lot different back then.

8. Cincinnati (1915): Main Street was bustling with activity in this old picture of Ohio.

9. Mount Vernon (1904): These men are on their way to the State Tuberculosis-Consumption Sanatorium.

10. Cleveland (1900): Euclid Avenue was a quiet, stately thoroughfare.

11. Toledo (1905): Summit Street was a busy street during the day.

12. Cleveland (1900): When men wore suits, women wore long skirts, and everyone wore hats to the amusement park.

13. Cleveland (1905): Look at the street cars on Superior Street!

14. Cincinnati (1910): Students walking on the campus of The University of Cincinnati.

15. New Philadelphia (1904) A humorous postcard pointing out the area's great soil and hard-working potato farmers.

16. Cincinnati (1905): The Mount Adams Incline was a funicular in the Mount Adams neighborhood, one of five in the city. It was torn down in 1948.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

These 50 Scenic Hikes in the U.S. Lead to the Best Fall Foliage in Every State

The 3.1-Mile Hiking Trail in Rhode Island That Is a Fall Foliage Wonderland

Savor Spain’s Culinary Delights at Connecticut’s Premier Mediterranean Restaurant

The Completely Free Nature Spot Hiding in a New York Park Is a Must-Visit

The Unique Getaway Where You Can View the Best Fall Foliage in New Jersey