Ohio played a significant role in the Civil War, contributing a large number of troops to the Union Army. Over 300,000 Ohioans served, making it one of the top states for military enlistment. The state was also home to several key military leaders, including Ulysses S. Grant, who would later become the 18th President of the United States. Additionally, Ohio was a vital manufacturing center, supplying weapons, ammunition, and other materials needed for the war effort. Cities like Cleveland and Cincinnati became important hubs for the production and transportation of goods, helping to sustain the Union's military campaigns throughout the conflict.