The population is composed of emigrants from the other states, the greater proportion of which are from New England. The inhabitants are noted for their industrious habits, and enterprising spirit.
Cincinnati (a view of which is given above,) is the largest town in the State, and with propriety may be considered the commercial capital of the Western States. It is rapidly increasing in refinement, business, and population. The number of inhabitants, as given in the returns to congress in the year 1830, is stated at 24,831; but another census taken a few months later in the same year states that it is 26,515. Being advantageously situated on the Ohio river, it seems destined to become a great city, and may in progress of time rival the older cities of the Middle and the Eastern States.
Columbus, the capital, is a flourishing place.
Much attention is paid in this State to education. There are many colleges and academies, and schools are general throughout the State. Internal improvements are gaining the attention of the people.
Mounds of earth are found in many places, the origin of which cannot be ascertained. These mounds appear to be forts, and are supposed to have been built by people who lived in this country before the present race of Indians.
INDIANA.
This state is nearly similar to Ohio in its climate, soil, productions, and inhabitants. The northern part of the State is level, the southern part broken and hilly, and there is much timber land.
The largest town in the State is Vincennes. At this place most of the trade of the State centres.
ILLINOIS.
The soil of this State is exceedingly rich, and is divided into forest and prairie lands; and when under cultivation produces in the greatest abundance, the necessaries and luxuries of life. Grapes are common to the country, and are abundant. Great quantities of wine might be easily manufactured. Foreign vines have been cultivated with success. Maize, wheat, oats, barley, buckwheat, potatoes, rye, tobacco, cotton, hemp, and flax, peaches, plums, and garden vegetables, and indeed almost all the productions of the Eastern and Middle States, can be cultivated to advantage here.