BUILDERS OF OHIO: A Biographical History

by Warren R. Van Tine, Michael Pierce

Van Tine and Pierces "Builders of Ohio is composed of twenty-four essays that use biography to explore Ohio's history. Collectively, they provide a historical overview of the state's development from George Croghan's search for fame and fortune on the seventeenth-century frontier through Dave Thomas's more recent creation of a fast-food empire. Each chapter also addresses important events and transformations in the state's history such European settlement; Native American resistance; the creation of territorial and state governments; the development of the state's educational and economic institutions; the disruption created by the Civil War; the struggle of African Americans and women to participate in Ohio's public life; efforts to ameliorate the pernicious effects of industrialization; the negotiation of the state's role in a nation increasingly dominated by the federal government; or the ramifications of de-industrialization and rise of a service economy.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

352 pages, Paperback

First published December 15, 2003

About the author

Warren Van Tine is professor of history emeritus at Ohio State University.

Reviews

[Paul Lunger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Published for the state of Ohio's bicentennial in 2003, "Builders of Ohio: A Biographical History" is a collection of 24 essays of some of the various figures (some of whom were not natives to Ohio) that made this state what it was at that time and their legacy to history. The collection of individuals chosen for these essays range from the more well-known (Thomas Worthington, Dave Thomas, Clement Vallandingham) to some rather obscure figures (Florence Allen, George Pendleton, George Croghan) but each of them does have a story to tell. The essays themselves are easy to read via the various authors which helps, and this reader also did appreciate the nod to Little Turtle and Blue Jacket which is part of the state's history that cannot be ignored as well as the 2 mayors of Cleveland who transformed that city throughout the 20th century. The book is far from perfect and there are readers who will probably criticize the choice of these individuals, but it doesn't take away from the fact that if you are looking to learn a quick overview of the history of Ohio this book is one you will enjoy.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

At times I found the essays to be slow and tedious, but I did enjoy the information that was presented in each one. I will say that it was a little daunting when four of the chapters kept reiterating a few of the people that were mentioned in the text, and that was simply me thinking that the essays were "beating a dead horse," so to speak. Other than these few bumps I encountered, I did love the overall content and I feel better knowing more information about my home state. In learning about how these 24 individuals impacted Ohio, I also got the chance to see how their actions would impact the country and how some of these beginnings helped shaped the rest of the country.

[Debbie Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wouldn't have known about this book if it wasn't for a course I'm taking, but I thoroughly enjoyed the idea of a biographical history of Ohio. The choices of people to include were as interesting as the stories themselves.