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Champaign County is proud to join America 250–Ohio in celebrating 250 years of the United States by sharing the stories of our own pioneers, places, and progress. As Ohio’s 18th county, established in 1805 and anchored by the historic city of Urbana, Champaign County has been part of the American story almost from the very beginning. Our name comes from the French word champaign, meaning “open, level country” or “open, flat land” – a fitting tribute to the rich farmland and wide-open views that have shaped our community for generations.
Today, nearly 39,000 people call Champaign County home, spread across about 430 square miles of rural countryside, small towns, and a vibrant county seat. Stroll down Urbana’s Scioto Street and you’ll pass more than two dozen homes that have stood |
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since the 1800s, and throughout the county you’ll find over 30 historical markers telling stories of early settlement, transportation, industry, and everyday life. From early soldiers who served in the War of 1812 to the arrival of the railroad in the mid-1800s, Champaign County has long been connected to the nation’s growth and change.
As America 250–Ohio invites all 88 counties to commemorate the nation’s semiquincentennial “Ohio style,” Champaign County will highlight the people, places, and events that link our local history to the larger American experience. Through special projects, commemorations, and community events, we’ll honor our past while looking ahead to the next 250 years of innovation, agriculture, small-town charm, and big-hearted hospitality. We invite you to explore, learn, and celebrate with us here in Champaign County, Ohio.
As America 250–Ohio invites all 88 counties to commemorate the nation’s semiquincentennial “Ohio style,” Champaign County will highlight the people, places, and events that link our local history to the larger American experience. Through special projects, commemorations, and community events, we’ll honor our past while looking ahead to the next 250 years of innovation, agriculture, small-town charm, and big-hearted hospitality. We invite you to explore, learn, and celebrate with us here in Champaign County, Ohio.
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From 1840 to 2026… A Little Phrase with a BIG History.
Did you know one of the world's most recognizable expressions has been said to have ties to Champaign County, Ohio? On September 15, 1840, thousands of people gathered in Urbana for a political convention supporting presidential candidate William Henry Harrison ("Old Tippecanoe") and his running mate, John Tyler. The streets were filled with banners, flags, and clever slogans—but one in particular caught everyone's attention: "The People is Oll Korrect." The phrase was met with cheers and laughter, and over time, those two letters—OK—became one of the most recognized expressions in the world. When America celebrated its Bicentennial in 1976, the Champaign County Bicentennial Committee commemorated this unique piece of local history with an iconic poster designed by local artist Nancy Miller. Now, as we celebrate America 250, we've recreated a new commemorative design inspired by Nancy's original artwork. Rather than simply reproducing the 1976 poster, this limited-edition graphic pays homage to her design while connecting three important moments in our history: 1840 – The story of "OK" begins in Urbana. 1976 – Champaign County celebrates America's Bicentennial. 2026 – America 250 honors our past while celebrating the future. To celebrate, the Champaign County Visitors Bureau is offering limited-edition America 250 "OK" T-shirts featuring this new design. Whether you're a history enthusiast, proud of your hometown, or simply love a great story, this shirt is a unique way to celebrate Champaign County's place in American history. Order here ---->https://forms.gle/LxQcvWQouPDAvL979 1840. 1976. 2026. Our Story. Our History. |
