1. In 1812, the Battle of Fort Detroit took place during the War of 1812. British and Native American forces attacked the fort, prompting American General William Hull to surrender. This was a significant blow to American morale early in the war.

2. Ohio became the 17th state in the United States on March 1, 1803. However, it was not until August 11 of that year that the state's first governor, Edward Tiffin, was inaugurated.

3. The Ohio State Fair began on August 11, 1850, making it the second oldest state fair in the United States (after the New York State Fair). The fair continues to take place each year in Columbus, featuring agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, and live entertainment.

4. On August 11, 1956, a massive storm known as the Amherst-Penfield tornado struck parts of Lorain and Erie counties, causing extensive damage and killing 18 people. It remains one of the deadliest tornadoes in Ohio's history.

5. In Ohio's capital city of Columbus, August 11 is celebrated as City Year Day. City Year is a non-profit organization that mobilizes young people for a year of full-time community service and mentoring in schools. The organization was founded in Boston in 1988, and Columbus became the first city outside of Massachusetts to establish a City Year site in 1995.