12 Random Facts About Cleveland

In honor of Cleveland’s 224th birthday, I thought I’d share some fun facts about our hometown.

(All of these facts I have picked up along the years of doing Black Girl in the CLE, I may not be able to remember my source on these facts but they are all true)

• You can visit where the original settlers arrived- The spot is called Settler’s Landing. It’s on the East Bank of the Flats and is also a stop on the RTA Blue/Green line.

• Hold the A- Our beautiful city was named after Moses CleAveland. Yes Cleaveland. The “a” was dropped in 1831 after the newspaper left off the a to fit the masthead (Where the name of the paper goes)

• Moses Cleaveland came but didn’t stay- Our founder was sent here to survey and set up a town for the Connecticut Land Company. After his job was complete he went back to Connecticut and never returned

• Superman is from Glenville- in 1933 Clevelanders Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster created and drew Superman. The actual house that Jerry Siegle lived is located on Kimberly Ave off of East 105. Learn more

• The Land of John D Rockefeller- Maybe the first person to take his talents elsewhere, John D Rockefeller began his road to riches right here in Cleveland with Standard Oil. His first refinery Standard Oil No. 1 was located near the E. 34th Street Rapid station. (Learned this from a Crain’s article)

• One more thing about Rockefeller- (I can go on all day about John D. Rockefeller, but I’ll spare you) While we see the lasting impact of Rockefeller as a philanthropist here in Cleveland with the Gardens, Greenhouse, Forest Hill and more. You may also know about his support of an Atlanta Seminary Women’s College. The name was eventually changed and named after his wife’s family, whose last name was Spelman. See a photo of Rockefeller and his sister-in-law, Lucy Spelman on Coit Road here

• Jeptha and Wade Oval more than just an intersection- You’ve probably crossed this intersection or drove through it as you parked at the art museum. I’ll admit I always that the Jeptha was a strange name for a street, and it never occurred to me that Wade Oval was actually named after someone. that someone is the founder of the Western Union (ever heard of that) Telegraph, Jeptha Wade. He’s buried Lakeview Cemetery

• Such forethought- Did you know the Western Reserve Historical Society, which many know as the Cleveland History Center was founded in 1867. So before our city was even 100 years old someone thought it would be a good idea to collect and preserve artifacts of this new settlement.

• What’s up with all the Western Reserve…- Remember that Connecticut Land Bank? Well, the land they “settled” west of Connecticut (Ohio is West of Connecticut) was called the Connecticut Western Reserve. Learn more or see what makes up the western reserve region here

• Home to the Cleveland Indians, Cleveland Buckeyes, the Spiders and Rams- League Park. Located in present day Hough, League park was built in 1891 and has been the location of many great Cleveland sports moments. Beautifully restored at E. 66th and Lexington, it’s definitely worth a visit. Learn more about League Park

• A solution to downtown parking problems- Who needs theaters when we can have more parking lots. Yes that right, what we now know as Playhouse Square was heading to the wrecking ball to make…parking lots. Thankfully that didn’t happen. Playhouse Square also happens to be the largest performing arts center outside of New York City. Learn more here

• The 2nd tallest building in the world outside- Back in the 1930 the 52-story Terminal Tower was completed. It was the tallest building out side of New York and remained the tallest building in Ohio until the 1990s. See old photos and construction photos of the Union Terminal Tower

Thanks for the trip down memory lane. Keep the conversation going. Leave your favorite Cleveland fact below in the comments section