1. In 1896, Ohio Governor Asa Bushnell signed the Dunbar Bill, which established the Ohio State University as the land-grant institution for Ohio. The university would go on to become one of the largest and most prestigious universities in the country.

2. In 1937, the Ohio River flood swept through Ohio and other states, causing massive damage and loss of life. The flood was one of the worst in American history, and led to significant changes in flood control and management.

3. In 1957, Ohio Governor Frank Lausche signed legislation that created the Ohio Turnpike Commission, which oversaw the construction and operation of the Ohio Turnpike. The Turnpike became a major transportation artery in Ohio, and helped spur economic development throughout the state.

4. In 1960, Ohio-born astronaut John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth, aboard the spacecraft Friendship 7. Glenn's historic flight helped cement the United States' position as a leader in space exploration.

5. In 2011, Ohio State defensive end Cameron Heyward became the first Buckeye football player to receive the Big Ten Conference's Distinguished Scholar Award. Heyward went on to have a successful career in the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and has since become an advocate for social justice causes.