Loyal to the Union: Ohio in the Civil War Exhibit

Explore the people and events that made the Buckeye state unique and so important to the Union cause.

Ohio joined the Union in 1803 as the 17th state, and was a major agricultural, economic, educational, and intellectual force in pre-Civil War America. At the time of the Civil War, Ohio was the oldest and most established state in the Upper Middle West.

It can be argued that no northern state was more important to the Union cause than Ohio. Its size, location, and its southern borders with Virginia and Kentucky made it geographically important. The Ohio River and a well-established network of railroads moved troops, food and supplies. Ohio contributed more soldiers per capita to the Union Army than any other northern state. Ohio’s location made it a major route for African American freedom seekers traveling to Canada. Five Ohioans who served in the Union Army went on to become president of the United States.

Closed holidays.