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 many significant changes in society! 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.
Seattle Municipal Archives/Flickr
2) Ohio is home to the first interracial and coeducational college in the United States.
Ralph Repo/Flickr
(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.
Julian Carvajal/Flickr
(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.
William Creswell/Flickr
5) Cleveland claims to have erected America’s first traffic light on Aug. 5, 1914.
William F. Yurasko/Flickr
This is definitely one of the most important inventions from Ohio.

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6) The first concrete street in America was poured in 1891 near the Logan County Courthouse in Bellefontaine.
OZinOH/Flickr
7) Cleveland also claims the site of the first pedestrian button for the control of a traffic light.
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(The 1948 demonstration took place at East 105th Street and Euclid Avenue.)
8) Akron was the first city to use police cars.
Seluryar/Flickr
9) In 1865, the first ambulance service was established in Cincinnati.
steeleman204/Flickr
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.
elycefeliz/Flickr
11) Cleveland was the first city to be lighted by electricity.
Joshua Rothhaas/Flickr

Were you aware of all of these Ohio firsts? Which of these inventions from Ohio surprised you? Are there any other things Ohio did first that we missed? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!

If you know of any other fun facts about Ohio, send them our way via our nomination form 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:

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Reasons To Love Ohio & Related Info

Katie Lawrence | June 07, 2023

What are the best small towns in Ohio?

Some of the best small towns in Ohio are:

Where's Waldo? In central Ohio, of course! This quaint little town is home to under 500 people, but it has some of the best food in the entire state. I don't know about you, but I'm definitely ready to plan a trip.

Located in the Cincinnati area, Yellow Springs is often called the "most hippie town in Ohio." This college town is full of color and character, featuring lots of shops selling wares from local artists, restaurants serving up local cuisine, and more.

Visiting this historic small town is like stepping into a Hallmark movie. Its Main Street is lined with the most charming shops and restaurants, and you could easily spend a whole day strolling around and taking in the sights.

What are the most popular foods in Ohio?

Ohio food is the best food, and anyone who has lived or spent a significant amount of time in the Buckeye State can attest to that. Some of the most popular foods in Ohio include:

  • Buckeyes

Every Ohioan knows the holiday season just wouldn't be complete without these chocolate-covered peanut butter balls.

No list of iconic Ohio foods would be complete without mentioning Cincinnati chili. Chili and cheese atop spaghetti noodles may not be everyone's cup of tea, but we'll defend it to the death.

  • French fries dipped in a Wendy's Frosty

The famous fast food chain got its start in Ohio, and so too did the trend of dipping French fries into a Frosty. Don't knock it until you try it!

 

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