When it comes to history, they say it is written by the victors. We’re taught to see the world through a particular lens, one that’s oftentimes rose-colored. History in Cleveland is abundant, but we’ve chosen to overlook many negative events that have become important in some ways, and we’ve unintentionally buried the influence of some very important people and events over the years. For example, nationally famous Chef Boyardee once called Cleveland home and he’s made it his eternal home after choosing to be laid to rest in the suburbs, but many people don’t realize it. There are surprising moments, details, and people that have decorated and shaped Cleveland over the years. Why not embrace the past and embark on a historical tour of Cleveland? If you’re not sure where you’d go, there is one online resource that’s full of suggestions and helpful hints. Take a look:
Cleveland is a fascinating city with an impressive history.
Erik Drost/Flickr Cleveland was founded in June of 1796 by General Moses Cleaveland. In a surprising twist, Cleaveland never returned to the city he founded, opting instead to spend his final decade at home in Connecticut. If he could have seen how this city transformed, he may not believe it. From meager beginnings to the construction of what was (at the time) one of the world’s largest skyscrapers, a lot has changed in this city.
There is history everywhere you look here, and it can sometimes be a challenge to figure out which landmarks have stories to tell.
Erik Drost/Flickr Towering 43 feet over the Hope Memorial Bridge, the Guardians of Traffic feel larger than life. While historic structures like this grab your attention and assert their importance immediately, many fascinating historical destinations are either long gone or totally unsuspecting. So what’s a curious Clevelander to do?!
Fortunately, you can easily explore the city through the Cleveland Historical Mobile App and website.
Peter Rowley/Flickr Though these databases have existed for at least a decade, many Clevelanders have yet to experience the excitement of exploring local history. The app and website offer a wealth of well-researched and digestible information on Cleveland’s history.
Cleveland Historical’s self-guided tours each feature about ten or more points of interest, ranging from local music history to specific suburbs.
Joseph E. Cole/Cleveland Press Collection Identifier: stadium222.jpg There are more than 30 tours in total offered by Cleveland Historical, and each is fascinating. The music tour alone, for example, includes both familiar buildings downtown and hidden gems out in the suburbs.
Some tours, you will find, may highlight an era of local history that you would have never suspected existed.
Joseph E. Cole/Cleveland Press Collection Identifier: nsxgengeneva005.jpg There’s so much to learn from these tours, and many of them truly do spotlight events that have been buried by time. Just take the conflict-focused tour, for example… it goes all the way back to events in 1919!
You can also discover new points of interest organically by checking out some of your favorite spots in The Land and searching for keywords on the Cleveland Historical website.
Erik Drost/Flickr Just check out the articles and events related to Lake View Cemetery. You can find other interesting cemeteries in the area, as well as info on people buried there.
Familiar places in Cleveland can easily become a time capsule when viewed through a slightly different lens.
Erik Drost/Flickr You never know what history is hidden in plain sight until you dig a little. Looking around the city, all sorts of historical structures have survived the decades, and many are still open to the public to this day.
You never know what you’ll discover in Cleveland… why not get out and explore a bit?
Erik Drost/Flickr
There’s nothing like a historical tour of Cleveland, and Cleveland Historical offers locals abundant opportunities to explore. What’s your favorite historical site in Cleveland? Tell us in the comments!
Erik Drost/Flickr
Cleveland was founded in June of 1796 by General Moses Cleaveland. In a surprising twist, Cleaveland never returned to the city he founded, opting instead to spend his final decade at home in Connecticut. If he could have seen how this city transformed, he may not believe it. From meager beginnings to the construction of what was (at the time) one of the world’s largest skyscrapers, a lot has changed in this city.
Towering 43 feet over the Hope Memorial Bridge, the Guardians of Traffic feel larger than life. While historic structures like this grab your attention and assert their importance immediately, many fascinating historical destinations are either long gone or totally unsuspecting. So what’s a curious Clevelander to do?!
Peter Rowley/Flickr
Though these databases have existed for at least a decade, many Clevelanders have yet to experience the excitement of exploring local history. The app and website offer a wealth of well-researched and digestible information on Cleveland’s history.
Joseph E. Cole/Cleveland Press Collection Identifier: stadium222.jpg
There are more than 30 tours in total offered by Cleveland Historical, and each is fascinating. The music tour alone, for example, includes both familiar buildings downtown and hidden gems out in the suburbs.
Joseph E. Cole/Cleveland Press Collection Identifier: nsxgengeneva005.jpg
There’s so much to learn from these tours, and many of them truly do spotlight events that have been buried by time. Just take the conflict-focused tour, for example… it goes all the way back to events in 1919!
Just check out the articles and events related to Lake View Cemetery. You can find other interesting cemeteries in the area, as well as info on people buried there.
You never know what history is hidden in plain sight until you dig a little. Looking around the city, all sorts of historical structures have survived the decades, and many are still open to the public to this day.
Want to start a tour of our city right now? Check out some of Cleveland’s most iconic historic structures to start your adventure or checkout if you’ve already experienced Cleveland’s top tourist attractions.
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