History of North Ohio (Great Nuclear War)

The History of North Ohio begins shortly after the Great Nuclear War.

Great Nuclear War
There were several Ohioan cities targeted. Toledo, Cleveland, Dayton, Cincinnati, Akron, Youngstown, and Wheeling. Columbus was not hit, but due to rioting and breakdown of law enforcement, the State Government soon collapsed. Northern Ohio was completely isolated, and EMP's from the blast disabled communications along with any unprotected devices.

Immediate Response
In the first weeks, known as The Blackout, chaos reigned, and crime skyrocketed. Soon mayors from Ottawa and Erie counties (who maintained contact by horse messenger on the Sandusky bridge) decided to meet in Erie County Hall to discuss the fate of their crumbling cities. They hoped some kind of order could be established. They outlined a plan to re-organize the counties, starting with a declaration of martial law and a state of emergency. The effect was almost immediate. Port Clinton, Sandusky, Oak Harbor, and Huron were very nearly annihilated, but in an instant, were brought back to order. Messengers were sent outward to communicate with local farms, as a few had veritably disappeared. Those whom were able to be communicated with were (somewhat obviously) willing to sell their crops to the people living within the towns. Farms which had been abandoned were assigned to inexperienced workers, employed only with tools, seed, and a small pamphlet on how to remove fallout from soil.

Winter of 1962
In the following month, a harsh winter fell upon the world. Many within the provisional state died of starvation, hypothermia, fallout, and disease. Black snow fell to the ground. Supermarkets were hollowed of every bit of food available. Makeshift greenhouses were built by families. Thousands perished despite best efforts. The winter lasted until May of 1964. The "spring" that followed would not prove any easier for the people of Northern Ohio.

Crops had to be delayed that year, and shipments of food were erratic at best. Fishing helped to supplement the weaning supplies, though this mainly applies in Port Clinton. But news from the outside proved to be the most valuable commodity. Rumors from refugees spread. ''Columbus is a war zone... Toledo is a black splotch... East? No better... ''

In Port Clinton's harbor, hundreds gathered as what appeared to be a ferry sped into the mouth of the Portage. As the ship docked, Port Clinton Militiamen gathered, hunting rifles at the ready. A small group of men stepped off, claiming to be from the "Island Republic", on a mission of peace. Tensions immediately dropped off, as the ship's crew was swarmed by the curious citizens. Relations between the two nascent governments was established, and knowledge flowed between the two. Quickly, a joint scouting mission was chartered, to explore the remains of Ohio further inland.

Scouts
Three groups of scouts were erected, each comprised of men from both the Islands, and North Ohio. The scouts were to ride on horseback, armed with weapons from county stockpiles. They were to record as much about the countryside as they could, making sketches, taking notes, and contacting anyone living.

Two of the Patrols found nothing but more farms, but the third made contact with the City Council of Bowling Green. The patrol was initially arrested, for "Attempted Raiding", as the people had misunderstood the scout's intent. After a short trial, they were released, and the City's Assistant Mayor was sent to make contact with the Sandusky Government.

Results
Bowling Green and the Island Republic were quick to ally with the Sandusky Government, and talks began of Unification. While distance was a problem, the need and desire was present.

Birth of a New Republic
On May 19th 1965, it came time to vote on the three nation's futures. Many within the Island Republic and Sandusky claimed that it was time to put aside the idea that the United States of Ohio State government still existed. Though in Bowling Green there was some opposition to this idea, which was considered secession, many agreed that a government of their own would be best until communications with the outside world could be re-established.

Each of the three governments, sent delegations to the constitutional convention in Bowling Green, held on the 3rd of August of the same year. Multiple delegates were sent from Sandusky, to make up for the differing opinions between Cities (which now included Fremont and Norwalk). There, they deliberated. A copy of United States constitution was used as a draft, though details were argued. Many within Bowling Green sought to revise the 2nd Amendment, and people within Sandusky sought reform for the legislative branch. The Island Republic wished to remain a somewhat autonomous state, although Bowling Green opposed this.

more to come