Ohio is another year older with the celebration of its 219th birthday. The Ohio History Connection planned a commemoration event Tuesday at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus, including the introduction of the state commission involved with the 250th birthday of the United States in 2026. Gov., DeWine introduced the commission’s co-chairs. The Statehouse also was providing viewings of the Ohio History Connection film “The Debate Over Statehood.” Congress approved Ohio’s first constitution in early 1803…and President, Thomas Jefferson signed it a few weeks later. The newly elected General Assembly conducted business for the first time on March 1, 1803. Arthur St. Clair, the first governor of the Northwest Territory, opposed statehood, while Thomas Worthington, the sixth governor of Ohio, was a strong proponent. Happy Birthday to The Buckeye State!