Also known as a Semiquincentennial, Bisesquicentennial, the Sestercentennial or the Quarter Millennial, on July 4, 2026, the United States of America will turn 250 years old!
Shores & Islands Ohio, and the US will be holding celebrations leading up to July 4, 2026. This landing page has been created so you can stay up-to-date on all the festivities our region has to offer as we come together to celebrate our country’s collective shared history!
Embark on a journey along U.S. Route 250, a historic corridor weaving through Ohio's rich tapestry of towns and landmarks. From Sandusky's lakeside charm to Milan's tribute to Thomas Edison, Norwalk's "Maple City" allure, Ashland's academic heritage, and Wooster's vibrant downtown, this route offers a scenic passage through pivotal moments in American history. As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, exploring U.S. Route 250 provides a unique lens into Ohio's integral role in the American story
Join the Ottawa County Historical Society and the DAR-Norwalk Sally De Forest Chapter on Saturday, May 17th, for the dedication of a new marker honoring American Revolution patriots. The ceremony will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Wolcott Family Cemetery, located a quarter-mile north of the Wolcott Keeper's House at 9999 E. Bayshore Road. This event pays tribute to the enduring legacy of early pioneers who contributed to America's independence.
Ottawa County has a number of dedicated historical markers for you to visit. We have 27 places on the National Register of Historic Places (2 of which are also National Historic Landmarks), 21 State of Ohio Historical markers, and 14 markers placed by local organizations. Here you’ll find brief information on each of the markers with its location and a photo, if available. We hope you enjoy learning about these treasured places.
Erie County has over 70 historical markers. These markers are scattered throughout Erie County—along roads and streets, in front of buildings, in parks and parking lots, along trails—but the majority are located in Sandusky and Huron and Huron Township. Each marker highlights something significant in the story of Erie County—a special event, a unique structure, the birthplace of a notable person. The list is long and varied. Taken together, they represent much of the significant history of the county.
We know you always meant to visit these historic communities – and here is your chance. Each Walking Tour provides photos and histories of the wonderfully old buildings and homes and the people who lived or worked in them. Explore the rich history in our communities!
Many small steps led to that first giant leap for mankind, and many of these steps occurred in Ohio.
Before Wapakoneta native Neil Armstrong walked on the moon, the Wright brothers invented the first controlled airplane in their small Dayton bike shop. William Grimes illuminated night flights through the invention of aviation lighting just a few miles from the Wrights' test field. A pair of scientists in a top-secret laboratory in Miamisburg created spacecraft power systems that made exploration of deep space possible. These are just a few examples of how Ohioans propelled aviation and space exploration. Today, Ohio remains at the epicenter of aviation and aerospace research, innovation and manufacturing.
Follow in the footsteps (or flight paths) of pioneer aviators, innovators and explorers who helped the world take flight. Explore more than 30 museums and historic sites to learn more about Ohio’s contribution to aviation and aerospace.
If a marine animal was described as a vampire fish, with a suction cup mouth full of razor-sharp teeth, one might think it is an April fools’ joke or a character in a low budget sci-fi movie. However, this is…
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Part of our Time Traveler Series. One hundred years ago, on June 28, 1924, the quiet communities of Lorain and Sandusky, Ohio, were forever altered by one of the most devastating tornadoes in Ohio's history. As…
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Part of our Time Traveler Series. Have you ever been traveling around the region and wondered why there is a Perry St. or Perry’s Monument (or to be precise, Perry’s Victory and International Peace…
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