Ohio celebrates 219th birthday

COLUMBUS — Ohio celebrates it 219th birthday today.

Congress approved the Ohio’s first constitution in early 1803. President Thomas Jefferson signed it on Feb. 19, 1803. The newly elected General Assembly conducted business for the first time on March 1, 1803, at the then Statehouse in Chillicothe, according to the Associated Press.

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Columbus wasn’t made the state’s capital until 1816.

Gov. Mike DeWine commemorated the state’s birthday during Tuesday’s Ohio Statehood Day celebration in Columbus.

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During the celebration, DeWine introduced the state’s commission for the 250th birthday of the United States on July 4, 2026. The commission will plan encourage, develop and coordinate the of the Semiquincentennial and the impact of the Ohioans on the nation’s past, present and future, according to a release.

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