You may have heard about Cleveland in context of its professional sports teams, especially the Cavaliers. But what else is there to love about the place? Fortunately, there’s an infinite supply of fun things to be excited about in this humble Ohio city. You can find great architecture, go on a haunted tour, take the scenic route along the Cuyahoga River, or binge at palate-winning restaurants. In this blog, you’ll learn eight astonishing facts about The Forest City that no one told you about.
1. Cleveland Was Originally Spelled as Cleaveland
Cleveland isn’t a far-fetched name from what it was initially called. In fact, the city was named after General Moses Cleaveland, who founded the settlement in 1796 and surveyed most of Ohio during his lifetime. Some people incorrectly spelled the name as “Cleveland” without the A. On top of that, many maps also made the mistake of omitting the letter on their final drafts. What sealed the deal with the spelling, though, was the newspaper named The Cleveland Advertiser in 1831. It’s said that there wasn’t enough room on the masthead, so they dropped the a. Thus, the intentional typo eventually became the official name for the city.
2. Cleveland Was the First City to Light Up with Electricity
Although Benjamin Franklin, the lightning scientist, hailed from Boston, Cleveland was the first metro to get illuminated by electricity back in 1879. The man to thank for is Charles Brush, who lit 20 lamps around the city’s Public Square. Everyone was impressed, and people kept flocking the city just to witness the seemingly magical lights. That said, Cleveland would not be what it is today if it weren’t for Brush. In order to honor him, a special lantern has been erected in downtown to celebrate his achievements.
3. Superman was Born in Cleveland
That’s right. Everyone’s beloved DC superhero, Clark Kent or Superman, actually hails from Cleveland. See, the city might be seen as dull, but there is more than meets the eye with this interesting tidbit of information. It was a well-known fact that Jerry Siegel, the creator of Superman, was a bright child with a wild imagination. He and his family lived near downtown, where he co-created Superman alongside his best friend, Joe Shuster, while attending Glenville High School.
4. Cleveland is Home to Cuyahoga, The Burning River
The Burning River’s name might sound scary or even ridiculous the first time you hear it. However, it’s backed by a tragic history. In the 1800s, oil and natural gas deposits were discovered along the river’s bed in Cleveland, Ohio. Because of this discovery, there was an increase in industries that relied on these resources to run their factories or for fuel. Unfortunately, due to the lack of environmental regulations at the time, many companies dumped waste into Cuyahoga without any regard. These pollutants started catching fire leading up to the Great Fire of 1969, which gave the river its nickname. Today, however things, are different! Regulations have been set forth by local government agencies allowing clean-up efforts all over Cuyahoga Valley National Park. But The Burning River nickname has stuck on everyone’s minds.
5. The Term Rock n Roll Originated in Cleveland
While the music genre didn’t come from Cleveland, the term ‘Rock n Roll’ did. During the 1950s, Alan Freed, a radio DJ for WJW, started promoting music under the name Rock n’ Roll. Thanks to Freed’s influence and the radio shows being all over the media at the time, it wasn’t long until the term spread like wildfire.
6. Sports are Huge in The City
It’s not hard to find a city brimming with sports enthusiasts, but the energy in Cleveland hits differently than in other places. Thanks to championship titles racked by the Cleveland Indians, Browns, Cavaliers, and Monsters, the city boasts a rich sports history. The fans’ burning passion for their teams makes up for an electric atmosphere when they play in person or on television. Even if you aren’t interested in seeing live games, it’s worth checking out some of the public viewing options at local bars during major sporting events to soak up that energy!
7. Cleveland Breeds Olympic Champions
You’ve probably heard of Jesse Owens, the famous Olympian who won four gold medals in the 1936 Olympics held in Berlin. But did you know that he trained for those events right here at Cleveland’s own Lakeside Field? He ran along Lake Erie, which was actually a huge dirt track back then. Today, it is still used as an outdoor football stadium by Case Western Reserve University and John Carroll University. But Jesse isn’t the only one that deserves credit. Over the years, Cleveland has consistently produced memorable Olympians, such as Nathan Brooks in boxing, Timothy Mack in pole vaulting, and Lee Kiefer in fencing. What a talented flock!
8. Cleveland Gave Birth to the Modern Golf Ball
This might not be something many people talk about, yet it’s a fun addition to Cleveland’s long list of interesting tidbits. That said, Cleveland local golfer Coburn Haskell designed the modern golf ball. The wound design became the staple for games, and the said balls are still manufactured today.
Wrapping Things Up
Honestly, eight facts are not enough to define the true beauty and charm that Cleveland possesses. If you’re keen on discovering the city yourself, start packing today. The Forest City will welcome you with open arms!