Ohio

Ohio  is a state in the Midwestern United States. Ohio is the 34th most extensive, the 7th most populous, and the 10th most densely populated of the 50 United States. The state's capital and largest city is Columbus.

The name "Ohio" originated from Iroquois word ohi-yo’, meaning "great river" or "large creek". The state, originally partitioned from the Northwest Territory, was admitted to the Union as the 17th state (and the first under the Northwest Ordinance) on March 1, 1803.Although there are conflicting narratives regarding the origin of the nickname, Ohio is historically known as the "Buckeye State" (relating to the Ohio buckeye tree) and Ohioans are also known as "Buckeyes"

The government of Ohio is composed of the executive branch, led by the Governor; the legislative branch, which comprises the Ohio General Assembly; and the judicial branch, which is led by the Supreme Court. Currently, Ohio occupies 16 seats in the United States House of Representatives. Ohio is known for its status as both a swing state and a bellwether in national elections.

Geography

Ohio's geographic location has proven to be an asset for economic growth and expansion. Because Ohio links the Northeast to the Midwest, much cargo and business traffic passes through its borders along its well-developed highways. Ohio has the nation's 10th largest highway network, and is within a one-day drive of 50% of North America's population and 70% of North America's manufacturing capacity.

Climate
The climate of Ohio is a humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification Dfa) throughout most of the state except in the extreme southern counties of Ohio's Bluegrass region section which are located on the northern periphery of the humid subtropical climate and Upland South region of the United States. Summers are typically hot and humid throughout the state, while winters generally range from cool to cold. Precipitation in Ohio is moderate year-round.

Records
The highest recorded temperature was 113 °F (45 °C), near Gallipolis on July 21, 1934. The lowest recorded temperature was −39 °F (−39 °C), at Milligan on February 10, 1899

More information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ohio
Famous Ohioans

Neil Alden Armstrong astronaut, Wapakoneta
George Bellows painter, lithographer, Columbus
Willard H. Bennett inventor, Findlay
Ambrose Bierce journalist, Meigs County
Albert J. Beveridge political leader, Highland
Erma Bombeck columnist, humorist, Dayton
Bill Boyd / Hopalong Cassidy actor, Cambridge
William Jennings Bryan U.S. presidential candidate, Salem
William Meriam Burton inventor, Cleveland
Milton Caniff cartoonist, Hillsboro
Nancy Cartwright voice of Bart Simpson, Kettering
John R. Commons economist, Hollansburg
Hart Crane poet, Garrettsville

More information: http://www.50states.com/bio/ohio.htm#.UL48cJKbGZo