Welcome to States that Start with O.

Welcome to the exciting world of travel in the United States! Today we are going to explore some of the hidden gems in the states that start with the letter ‘O’. From stunning natural landscapes to vibrant cities, these states offer travellers a wide range of experiences. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences or simply a relaxing getaway, these destinations have it all.

So grab your travel gear, pack your bags and join us on a journey to discover the unique and fascinating destinations in states that start with the letter ‘O’.

States that Start with O
States that Start with O

How many states start with O in America

Visiting the states that start with the letter O is a great way to discover some of the lesser-known gems of the United States. The United States is composed of many states, each with its unique culture and identity. Three of these states start with the letter “O”:

  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon

Let’s explore these three and see what makes them special.

Ohio

USA, Ohio
USA, Ohio

Ohio is a state in the Midwest region of the United States. It is bordered by Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana and Michigan. It is the 34th largest state in the US and the 7th most populous, with a population of 11.7 million (2020).

Ohio is famous for its automotive industry, thanks to cities like Akron, where the world’s first rubber company was founded. The state is also home to many parks, such as the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and museums dedicated to the history of the automobile, such as the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton.

Oklahoma

 Buffalos in Oklahoma
Buffalos in Oklahoma

Oklahoma, also known as the Sooner State, is located in the central region of the United States. It is bordered by Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas and Colorado. Oklahoma has a population of 3.9 million and is the 28th largest state (by population) in the USA.

Best known for its cowboy culture and cattle industry, with cities like Oklahoma City being hubs for the industry. The state is also rich in Native American culture, with over 40 federally recognised tribes. The state also has its own state song, “Oklahoma!

Oregon

Coastline Oregon
Coastline Oregon

Oregon is located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It is bordered by Washington, Idaho, California and Nevada. It is the 9th largest state in the USA and has a population of 4.2 million. Oregon is known for its diverse landscape, from the Cascade Mountains to the Pacific Ocean coastline.

The state is also known for its craft breweries, wineries, coffee roasters, and strong green energy movement. The state is also home to the deepest lake in the US, Crater Lake.

Appearance of the letter O in US States

Letters - States that Start with O
Letters

The letter O is a common letter in the names of all fifty states of the United States of America. In total, all state names contain 36 occurrences of the letter O, far outstripping the occurrences of any other letter. 

The letter O is found in the vast majority of state names, making it the fourth most common letter in the alphabet after A, I and N. The letter O occurs in a variety of contexts within state names, often indicating a geographical feature or a specific location. Out of a total of 412 letters in all US state names, the letter O accounts for 8.8%.

Why Ohia starts with O?

The state’s name is derived from the Ohio River, which in turn originated from the Seneca word ohiːyo’, meaning “good river“, “great river“, or “large creek“. Ohio was the first post-colonial free state admitted to the union and became one of the earliest and most influential industrial powerhouses during the 20th century.

The Ohio flag has three red and two white horizontal stripes. At it’s staff end is a blue triangular field with the apex at the center of the middle red stripe. The change from simply “OSU” was said to “reflect the national stature of the institution.” The government of Ohio is composed of the executive branch, led by the governor. The legislative branch, consisting of the bicameral Ohio General Assembly. And the judicial branch, led by the state Supreme Court.

Why Oklahoma starts with O?

The state of Oklahoma derives its name from the Choctaw words “okla”, meaning “people“, and “humma“, meaning “red“. The state of Oklahoma was originally part of Indian Territory, where Native Americans were relocated after being removed from east of the Mississippi River.

The letter “O” was chosen as the first letter of the state’s name because it was the first letter of the alphabet in the Choctaw language and it was also used to distinguish the state from other states with similar names. The name “Oklahoma” is also believed to mean “red people” in the Choctaw language, as the Choctaw people were known for their distinctive reddish skin.

Oklahoma was admitted to the Union on 16 November 1907, and letters were sent from the Secretary of State to the various states. The current registered agent of the state must change its name or address using the State of Oklahoma Form 10A.

Why Oregon starts with O?

Oregon is one of three US states that start with the letter ‘O’, the other two being Oklahoma and Ohio. It became the 33rd state of the US on February 14, 1859, with its capital being Salem.

The origin of the name is somewhat unclear, but it is thought to come from the French Canadian word ouragan, meaning “hurricane” or “storm.” French-Canadian explorers who experienced a violent storm when they first arrived in the region gave it this name. Oregon is also believed to be derived from the Spanish word oregón, meaning ‘beautiful’. This is due to the region’s stunning natural beauty and lush forests. Ultimately, the name Oregon was retained when the region was admitted to the Union in 1859.

What makes Ohia so great?

Cuyahoga Valley National Park - States that Start with O
Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Travelers in Ohio can explore Civil War history at several battlefields, including Shiloh, Antietam and Gettysburg. Ohio is also home to the Ohio & Erie Canal, one of the oldest remaining transportation networks in the country. It is a great place to learn about the canal’s history and take a relaxing boat ride. 

For outdoor adventurers, Ohio offers a wide range of activities including hiking, fishing, whitewater rafting and mountain biking. The state is also home to several national parks, including the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, which is home to a beautiful array of landscapes, forests and wildlife. 

Sports fans will also find plenty to do in Ohio. Teams include the Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Indians. Ohio is also home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Visitors can learn about the legends of music and football.

Ohio truly has something for everyone, from its historical and cultural sites to its incredible outdoors. Tourists will love exploring the incredible sites and attractions that make Ohio such an amazing destination.

What makes Oklahoma so great?

Oklahoma City, OK, USA - States that Start with O
Oklahoma City, OK, USA

Oklahoma is a great destination for tourists because of its unique mix of cultures and attractions. From the historic Route 66 to the modern and vibrant Oklahoma City skyline, Oklahoma offers various experiences. The state is home to several Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw and Comanche, who share the popular Cherokee Cultural Center. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the history of the region and its people.

With vast plains and rolling hills dotted with windmills and wildflowers, Oklahoma also boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States. Over 200 lakes and rivers provide plenty of opportunities for fishing, boating and water sports. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, there are several parks and trails where you can relax and take in the natural splendour of the state.

Finally, Oklahoma’s rich musical culture is sure to please the musician. From country to rock and roll, there is something for everyone. Oklahoma is also home to many music festivals that showcase the best of local talent. Oklahoma has something to offer whether you’re looking for a fun weekend getaway or an extended stay.

What makes Oregon so great?

Trillium Lake, Mount Hood - States that Start with O
Trillium Lake, Mount Hood

Oregon’s stunning natural beauty and vibrant culture make it an incredible tourist destination. From the lush forests and majestic mountains of the Cascade Range to the stunning beaches of the Oregon Coast, the Beaver State’s natural splendour is unparalleled. Adventure seekers will enjoy the many outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, kayaking, rock climbing and camping.

The Portland Art Museum, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, and the International Rose Test Garden are among the many cultural attractions in Oregon. Food lovers will find a wide variety of gourmet restaurants, cafes and food carts. The nightlife in the cities of Portland and Eugene is also hard to beat.

Whatever your interests, there is something for everyone in Oregon. With its abundance of natural wonders (e.g. the Trillium Lake), cultural attractions and modern amenities, it is no wonder that Oregon is considered one of the best states to visit in the United States.

Which US states contain the letter O at least once?

US States with the Letter O
US States with the Letter O

At least one of the letters O is present in the United States of America in the following twenty-five states:

  • Arizona
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Iowa
  • Louisiana
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Vermont
  • Washington
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming.

These 25 states are spread out across the country. Each offering their own unique features and experiences to the visitors exploring the country. From the sunny beaches of Florida to the majestic Rocky Mountains of Colorado, each of these states has something to offer.

YouTube video
The O States

Summary – States that Start with O

Travelling to states that start with the letter O is a great way to explore some of the lesser-known destinations in the United States. The total number of states that begin with O is three: Ohio, Oklahoma and Oregon.

Ohio is located in the Midwest region of the US and is known for its automotive industry. It has a population of 11.7 million (2020) and is home to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Oklahoma, also known as the Sooner State. It is located in the centre of the US and is famous for its cowboy culture and Native American heritage. It has a population of 3.9 million (2020).

Oregon is located in the US Pacific Northwest and is also known for its varied terrain, craft breweries, wineries and green energy initiatives. It has a population of 4.2 million (2020) and is home to the deepest lake in the US, Crater Lake.

The letter O is the fourth most common letter in US state names. In total, all US state names have 36 occurrences of the letter O, making up 8.8% of the 412 letters in all state names.

Thank you for reading the States that Start with O! Here you can also find more north american blogs or states that start with the letter T

Marcel Kuhn