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Ohio: State Flag, Bird and Facts

The northern cardinal is Ohio's state bird, and the scarlet carnation is the state flower.

Capital
Columbus
Nickname
The Buckeye State
State bird
Northern cardinal
State flower
Scarlet carnation
State tree
Ohio buckeye
Admitted
March 1, 1803
Population
11,799,448 (2020 census)
Mottos and slogans
Ohio. Find It Here.; With God, all things are possible
Region
Midwest
Area
116,096 km² (44,825 sq mi)
Highest point
Campbell Hill (1,548 ft)

About Ohio

Ohio takes its name from the Ohio River along its southern edge, from a Seneca word meaning good river or great river. In 1803 it led the way as the first state to enter under the Northwest Ordinance. Columbus is both the capital and the largest city, and Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dayton, Akron and Toledo round out the big metros. Only two states have bigger manufacturing sectors, and only one builds more cars.

The flag stands out for its shape. Called the Ohio Burgee, it has a swallowtail shape cut into two points, in red, white and blue. A disc near the pole forms the letter O. John Eisenmann created it for the 1901 Pan-American Exposition, and lawmakers adopted it a year later. Ohio even has an official salute and a folding method for it.

Did you know?

  • Campbell Hill is the highest point in Ohio, at 1,548 feet.
  • Ohio license plates call the state the Birthplace of Aviation, since the Wright brothers came from there.
  • The Ohio buckeye is the official state tree, matching the Buckeye State nickname.

Questions about Ohio

Why is the Ohio flag shaped differently?

It is a swallowtail pennant called a burgee, designed by John Eisenmann in 1901.

When did Ohio become a state?

Ohio was admitted on March 1, 1803.

Other Midwest states

Sources

Facts are compiled from these open sources and rewritten in our own words. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.

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