Are you Ohio proud? As much as Ohioans rag on their own state, they are often secretly just as proud of it. There’s an unspoken security here in Ohio in which we know we’re not perfect, but at the end of the day, we still think Ohio is pretty awesome compared to other states… and we’re proud of it. Here’s when we thought so and why:

1) When the world realized man could in fact walk on the moon.
NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center/Flickr
You have probably heard that Neil Armstrong was the first man to walk on the moon. Did you know he was an Ohioan? Today, the site of his first-ever lift-off is a monument to this historic moment in time. The former Warren Airways, where Armstrong lifted off the ground in a Ford Tri-Motor airplane at the age of five, now features a lunar module replica.
2) When Ohio decided in 1803 to be the first state in the Northwest Territory to officially not permit slavery.
Gary Cope/Flcikr
3) When Oberlin College showed the nation that no matter what sex or ethnicity you are you deserve a shot at a college education no matter what sex or ethnicity of people you're around.
Michael Loukides/Flickr
Oberlin College was one of the first colleges in the nation to admit students of African descent, but it was the first to admit women. It did so in 1837, and later continued to strive to help people by serving as a stop on the Underground Railroad.
4) When the Ohio State Buckeyes won the NCAA National Championship. We've done it eight times, and we WILL do it again.
Jinjiang Liang/Flickr
5) Anytime the Ohio State Buckeyes beat the Michigan Wolverines.
Scott Stuart/Flickr
Does this one even need explanation?! O-H... I-O!
6) Anytime you indulge in the great American sport because the Cincinnati Reds set the stage for professional baseball.
Jordan Megenhardt/Flickr
7) Anytime rock and roll is even mentioned because we're home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Bob Hall/Flickr
Cleveland is known as the home of rock and roll, a title it has rightfully owned. Not only was the name of this musical genre coined here, but the first rock concert was also organized here.
8) And also the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Joseph Novak/Flickr
9) When you step foot on a plane because you know your Ohio bros — AKA the Wright brothers — had your back way back in the day.
Library of Congress/Wikimedia Commons
Not only did these brothers from Dayton pioneer flight, but an Ohioan was also the first to write about and publish information on this historic flight. This individual, a candle maker from Medina, mentioned the famous flight in his publication, Gleanings In Bee Culture. 

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10) Also, when homeboy Thomas A. Edison gave us all the gift of electricity.
NikonFilm35/Flickr
11) When Jesse Owens showed us how a gold medal is won.
Breve Storia del Cinema/Flickr
Jesse Owens is remembered as a four time gold medalist, but he was also an Ohioan. He moved here with his family at just nine years old, and he eventually competed in the 1936 Summer Olympics in Nazi Germany at a time when racial tensions were understandably high. Legend has it that Owens was snubbed by Adolf Hitler, with Hitler being frustrated by the young athlete's success. Nonetheless, some have claimed to have witnessed the pair shaking hands. What a wild piece of history!
12) Because we've acquired quite the reputation over the years for moving into the White House.
Cliff/Flickr

13) Whenever we hear "Hang on Sloopy."
This song is pretty much our state anthem, and nobody plays it better than The Ohio State University's talented marching band. We've said it once, and we'll say it again: O-H-I-O!
14) Because the shape of our flag is different than any other state's.
J. Stephen Conn/Flcikr

15) When "the man with the golden voice" was discovered in Columbus.
Who could forget Ted Williams, as featured in this video by TheColumbusDispatch? This local radio superstar made some choices that moved his life in the wrong direction, and he found himself without a job and living on the streets... until a video of this man's "golden voice" and his predicament went viral. Through the power of the internet, Williams received countless job offers and went on to spearhead a nonprofit that serves homeless shelters.
16) Whenever you're in the mood for a square burger or a frosty.
Chandra Marsono/Flcikr
17) Because we were the first to know that chili actually does in fact belong on top of noodles.
Frank Swift/Flickr
Well, at least some of us believe this. What's your personal opinion on the matter?
18) Whenever you're in need of a Life Saver.
Roadsidepictures/Flickr
19) Because we brought this world hot dogs.
Chris H/Flickr
Legend has it that a gentleman from Niles, Harry Mozley Stevens, places a sausage on a bun and introduced baseball lovers to this legendary snack. There's an annual celebration in his honor to this day!
20) Whenever you come home from vacation and realize there really is no place like home.
Timothy Valentine/Flickr

We’ve got a thing or two to be proud of — and this list just scratches the surface. There are so many reasons to be Ohio proud! Can you think of any? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.

Love learning about The Buckeye State? Check out a few Ohio fun facts to learn more about this amazing state.

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What are the weirdest things about Ohio?

The weirdest thing to come out of Ohio is doubtlessly our collection of local lore. From crybaby bridges to purported witch graves, there's some strange lore in this area.

Where can I find more of the best photos of Ohio?

Can't get enough of the local landscape? We don't blame you one bit! Click around our Ohio page to find some of the most striking places in and pictures of The Buckeye State!

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