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We must not omit the subject of the State
boundaries. Ohio was especially the field for most animated discussions,
relative not only to State limits but county lines and township rights.
In 1817, a severe controversy arose, which was settled only after violent
demonstrations and Government interference.
In primitive times, the geographical position, extent and surface diversities
were but meagerly comprehended. In truth, it may be asserted they could
not have been more at variance with actual facts had they been laid out
"haphazard." The ordinance of 1787 represented Lake Michigan
far north of its real position, and even as late as 1812, its size and
location had not been
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definitely ascertained. During that year, Amos Spafford addressed
a clear, comprehensive letter to the Governor of Ohio, on this subject,
relative to the boundary lines of Ohio. Several lines of survey were laid
out as the first course, but either Michigan or Ohio expressed disapproval
in every case. This culminated in 1835, when the party beginning a "permanent"
survey began at the northwest corner of the State, and was attacked by a
force of Michigan settlers who sent them away badly routed and beaten. No
effort was made to return to the work until the State and various parties
had weighed the subject, and finally the interposition of the Government
became necessary.
A settlement resulted in Ohio being bounded on the, north by Lake Erie
and the State of Michigan, on the east by Pennsylvania and West Virginia,
on the south by the Ohio River, and on the west by Indiana.
It is situated between the 38° 25' and 42° north latitude, and
84° 50' west longitude from Greenwich, or 3° 30' and 7° 50'
west from Washington. From north to south, it extends over 210 miles,
and from east to west 220 miles—comprising 39,964 square miles.
The State is generally higher than the Ohio River. In the southern counties,
the surface is greatly diversified by the inequalities produced by the
excavating power of the Ohio River and its tributaries. The greater portion
of the State was originally covered with timber, although in the central
and northwestern sections some prairies were found. The crest or watershed
between the waters of Lake Erie and those of the Ohio is less elevated
than in New York or Pennsylvania. Sailing upon the Ohio the country appears
to be mountainous, bluffs rising to the height of two hundred and fifty
to six hundred feet above the valleys. Ascending the tributaries of the
Ohio, these precipitous hills gradually lessen until they are resolved
into gentle undulations, and toward the sources of the river the land
is low and marshy.
Although Ohio has no inland lakes of importance, she possesses a favorable
river system, which, aided by her canals, gives her prestige of a convenient
water transportation. The lake on her northern boundary, and the Ohio
River on her southern limit, afford most convenient outlets by water to
important points. Her means of communication and transportation are superior
in every respect, and are constantly being increased. |