Why is Ohio considered the mid west when really on eastern side of us?

Ohio is considered to be in the Midwest because, during westward expansion, the eastern third of the state was considered the Old Northwest Territory, while the western two thirds were considered part of the Northwest Territory. Additionally, the Ohio River valley region known as the Ohio Country has been traditionally associated with the Midwest. It is true that Ohio is closer to the East than the West of the United States, and is closer in longitude to New York City than to Denver. However, the designation of the Midwest as a region is based on cultural and historical factors rather than solely on geographic location.