1. Ohio Becomes the 17th State: September 17, 1803, marked the day when Ohio officially became the 17th state of the United States. Prior to statehood, Ohio was considered a part of the Northwest Territory, which was established by the Congress of the Confederation in 1787.

2. Ohio's State Flag Adopted: On September 17, 1902, Ohio adopted its state flag. It features the state seal surrounded by a white circle on a scarlet background. Thirteen stars representing the original colonies are positioned around the circle.

3. Wilbur Wright Flies the World's First Military Airplane: On September 17, 1908, Wilbur Wright flew the world's first military airplane, the Wright Military Flyer, at Fort Myer in Virginia. The plane was designed to meet the needs of the U.S. Army Signal Corps.

4. First Ohio State Football Game: Known as the Buckeyes, the Ohio State University football team played its first game on September 17, 1890. They defeated Ohio Wesleyan University 20-14.

5. Ohio Supreme Court Upholds Death Penalty: September 17, 1997, marked the day when the Ohio Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the state's death penalty. Prior to this decision, there had been a moratorium on capital punishment in Ohio for over two decades.