11 Surprising Firsts That Ohio Can Proudly Claim

From milestones in American history to everyday innovations, the Buckeye State has often led the way. These 11 Ohio “firsts” highlight how the state helped shape modern life — in ways you might not have known.

1. Ohio Was the First State to Enact Laws Protecting Working Women

According to the Levy Institute, these laws date back to 1852. One law in particular prohibited women for working more than 10 hours per day.

2. Ohio Is Home to the First Interracial and Coeducational College in the United States

In 1835, Oberlin College became the first university in the country to adopt a race-blind admissions process. This allowed Black students to enroll, making Oberlin a trailblazer in the abolitionist movement.

3. Ohio Is Believed to Have Been the First State Elect an African America to Public Office

Ohio has led the way for inclusion from university classrooms to politics. John Mercer Langston, elected clerk of Brownhelm in 1854, is believed to have been the first African American ever elected to public office.

4. We Created the Concept the Automobile Service Station

According to legend, the first ever full-time automobile service station opened in Ohio in 1912. It was run by two Standard Oil employees on the corner of Oak and Young Streets.

5. We Were the First State to Use Traffic Lights...

Cleveland claims to have erected America’s first traffic light on Aug. 5, 1914. The historic moment took place on East 105th Street and Euclid Avenue.

6. And Pave Our Streets With Concrete

The first concrete street in America was poured in 1891 near the Logan County Courthouse in Bellefontaine. Clearly, we have a thing for public infrastructure.

7. We Also Claim the First Pedestrian Button for Traffic Lights

The 1948 demonstration took place at East 105th Street and Euclid Avenue. Who knew that intersection was so special?

8. Akron Was the First City to Use Police Cars

Yep, we did that, too—all the way back in 1899. The vehicle was actually an electric buggy, primarily used to transport prisoners.

9. We Were the First State to Offer Ambulance Services...

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. And Have a Professional City Fire Department

Okay, color me impressed. Cincinnati for the win again!

11. Cleveland Was the First City to be Lit by Electricity

Paris is often referred to as the City of Lights, but that title actually belongs to Cleveland. According to Cleveland Magazine, in 1879, "Public Square became the first outdoor public space in America fully illuminated by electrical light."

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