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First explored for France by Robert Cavelier,
Sieur de la Salle, in 1669, the Ohio region became British
property after the French and Indian Wars. Ohio was acquired by
the U.S. after the Revolutionary War in 1783. In 1788, the first
permanent settlement was established at Marietta, capital of the
Northwest Territory.
The 1790s saw severe fighting with the Indians in Ohio; a major
battle was won by Maj. Gen. Anthony Wayne at Fallen Timbers in
1794. In the War of 1812, Commodore Oliver H. Perry defeated the
British in the Battle of Lake Erie on Sept. 10, 1813.
Ohio is one of the nation's industrial leaders, ranking third in
manufacturing employment nationwide. Important manufacturing
centers are located in or near Ohio's major cities. Akron is
known for rubber; Canton for roller bearings; Cincinnati for jet
engines and machine tools; Cleveland for auto assembly, auto
parts, and steel; Dayton for office machines, refrigeration, and
heating and auto equipment; Youngstown and Steubenville for
steel; and Toledo for glass and auto parts.
The state's fertile soil produces soybeans, corn, oats,
greenhouse and nursery products, wheat, hay, and fruit,
including apples, peaches, strawberries, and grapes. More than
half of Ohio's farm receipts come from dairy farming and sheep
and hog raising. Ohio ranks fourth among the states in lime
production and also ranks high in sand and gravel and crushed
stone production.
Tourism is a valuable revenue producer, bringing in $25.7
billion in 2000. Attractions include the Rock and Roll Hall of
Fame, Indian burial grounds at Mound City Group National
Monument, Perry's Victory International Peace Memorial, the Pro
Football Hall of Fame at Canton, and the homes of presidents
Grant, Taft, Hayes, Harding, and Garfield. |
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