Statehood
The first Ohioans wanted Ohio to become a state, but in order for that to happen, Ohio would first need a population of at least 5,000 adult men. Ohio met this rule in 1797. Soon after, they elected Ohio's first house of representative. William Henry Harrison was the first to represent Ohio Territory in the U.S. Congress. In Congress, Harrison tried as hard as he could to get Ohio its rightful statehood. He also tried to make it easier for Ohioan settlers to own land. In 1800, Congress passed a bill that stated that Ohio can start to form a government. In March 1, 1803, President Thomas Jefferson signed the bill, and Ohio became the 17th state. Edward Tiffin was sworn in as the first governor, and Chillicothe was the first capitol of Ohio.
Fast Statehood Facts
Statehood Date: March 1, 1803
State number: 17th State
State number: 17th State