1. Ohio Becomes a State

On January 4, 1803, Ohio became the 17th state to join the Union. Previously, it had been part of the Northwest Territory and had a population of just over 45,000 people.

2. Ohio's First Governor Takes Office

William Henry Harrison was inaugurated as Ohio's first governor on January 4, 1801. He went on to become the ninth president of the United States in 1841 and served the shortest term of any president, just 32 days.

3. Ohioan Invents the Escalator

The world's first escalator was invented by Jesse W. Reno, an Ohio native, in 1891. The device was first installed at the Old Iron Pier in Coney Island, New York, and was used to move people from the boardwalk to the beach.

4. Buckeyes Win the National Championship

On January 4, 2003, the Ohio State Buckeyes football team defeated the University of Miami Hurricanes in two overtimes to win the national championship. It was the Buckeyes' first national championship win since 1968.

5. Ohio's First Woman Mayor Elected

On January 4, 1926, Maude C. Waitt was elected mayor of the village of Athens, Ohio, becoming the state's first woman mayor. She served in the position for two years and continued to be active in local politics for many years.