© 2007 The Ohio Secretary of State & The Ohio Public Library Information Network
 

Adena, Ross County
Adena was the home of Thomas Worthington, our state’s sixth governor and first U.S. Senator. Completed in 1807, Adena is the only plantation-type complex of its kind in our state. The view from Adena also has a special significance. Looking east from the north lawn, one can see across the Scioto River Valley to the Mount Logan range of hills; this is the view depicted on the Great Seal of the State of Ohio. The mansion house is open to visitors and is furnished with period antiques.

Cedar Point, Erie County
Named for the groves of cedar trees that once populated this peninsula, Cedar Point has been the destination for fun for Ohioans and visitors from around the world for over 130 years. Cedar Point’s first ride was a water trapeze that hurled riders into Lake Erie. The first roller coaster at the park, “Switchback Railway,” was introduced in 1892 and took riders up and over its 25-foot-tall first hill. Today, Cedar Point’s 44,553 feet of roller coaster track includes the “Millennium Force,” which is taller than the Statue of Liberty.

Fort Ancient State Memorial Park, Warren County
Fort Ancient State Memorial Park features the Fort Ancient Earthworks which are a link to Ohio’s prehistoric past. The Earthworks are earthen walls overlooking the Little Miami River that were built by Hopewell Native Americans 2000 years ago. The walls vary in height from four to 23 feet and are broken by 70 openings. While some historians surmise Fort Ancient was built by the Hopewells for protection from enemies, still others contend this site was used for ceremonial purposes only.

Thomas Edison’s birthplace, Erie County
Thomas Alva Edison, the inventor of the phonograph, the incandescent light bulb, and a multitude of other ingenious devices, was born in Milan on Feb. 11, 1847. Edison’s family moved away while he was a boy, but in 1894, his sister brought the house back into family ownership. In 1906, Edison became the owner of the house and visited it occasionally. In 1923, he was shocked to find his birthplace was still being lit by lamps and candles. The house has been restored to its 19th century appearance and now contains a collection of rare memorabilia related to Edison and his
inventions.

1955 - The Ohio Turnpike is completed.

1958 - "With God all Things are Possible" becomes the state motto.

1959 - The Ohio Civil Rights Commission is created to eliminate employment discrimination.