Takes its name, and derives its greatest facilities for commerce, from
the noble Ohio river. This State was admitted to the Union in the
year 1802, since which time its growth has been rapid; in 1820 its
population was 581,434; and increased in ten years to 937,679.
Although there are no mountains in this State, yet it is diversified
with hills, valleys, and plains, and watered by many fine rivers,
navigable for boats. The soil and climate are excellent, and the state
presents great facilities for agriculture. The land in its natural
state is thickly covered with forests, and the trees attain an immense
size.
The population is composed of emigrants from the other states, the
greater proportion of which are from New England. The inhabitants are
noted for their industrious habits, and enterprising spirit.
Cincinnati (a view of which is given above,) is the largest town in the
State, and with propriety may be considered the commercial capital of
the Western States. It is rapidly increasing in refinement, business,
and population. The number of inhabitants, as given in the returns to
congress in the year 1830, is stated at 24,831; but another census
taken a few months later in the same year states that it is 26,515.
Being advantageously situated on the Ohio river, it seems destined to
become a great city, and may in progress of time rival the older cities
of the _Middle_ and the _Eastern_ States.
Columbus, the capital, is a flourishing place.
Much attention is paid in this State to education. There are many
colleges and academies, and schools are general throughout the State.
Internal improvements are gaining the attention of the people.
Mounds of earth are found in many places, the origin of which cannot be
ascertained. These mounds appear to be forts, and are supposed to have
been built by people who lived in this country before the present race
of Indians.