Ohio, from the Industries of States series (N117) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco 1889

Ohio, from the Industries of States series, was created around the turn of the century by W. Duke, Sons & Co. as a promotional item for Honest Long Cut Tobacco. These cards reflect the prevalent cultural norms of the late 19th century, particularly in their allegorical representation of states as feminized figures. Here, Ohio is personified as a woman in classical garb, leaning on a shield emblazoned with state symbols like agriculture. The choice to depict Ohio as a woman aligns with the era's tendency to use female figures to represent abstract concepts like liberty, justice, or, in this case, a geographic location. It’s interesting to note how the card simplifies and idealizes the state’s identity, focusing on agriculture and industry while omitting the complex realities of its diverse population. Representations like these, especially in promotional materials, played a role in shaping perceptions and reinforcing the dominant narratives of the time. This card is a potent reminder of how identity, gender, and place can be intertwined in ways that both celebrate and obscure.