The Historical Landmarks Of Cleveland

by James C.

From two hundred year old churches, former mansions, Underground Railroad sites, markets, statues and the historic public square; the city of Cleveland is host to dozens of historical landmarks that each tell a piece of the city's long and fascinating history. As the city begins to experience economic growth and renewed development these historical landmarks continue to play a vital role in ensuring that living pieces of history are kept alive for the next generation of city residents.

Landmarks Throughout The City

1. The Old Arcade

First opening in May of 1890 the old Arcade was the first indoor shopping center in the country. After costing over $875,000 (in modern money) the Old Arcade quickly became one of Cleveland's largest and oldest prime attractions. After years of decline, the arcade received over $60 million dollar renovation and continues to be a sight of commerce, business and a testament to the architectural history of Cleveland.

2. The West Side Market

First opening its doors on November 2, 1912 the West Side Market has been a major attraction of Cleveland's Ohio City neighborhood. The West Side Market is the city's oldest continuously operating market and since 2008 was regarded as one of the 10 Great Public places in America. The West Side Market continues to serve the community and be a proud monument to Cleveland history.

3. Guardians of Traffic

Towering over the Hope Memorial Bridge are eight sandstone figures known as “Cleveland’s Guardians” who have stood over the bridge since 1932. Each statue holds a different vehicle in their hands and the original bridge engineer, Wilbur Watson, said that the figures were meant to symbolize the evolution of transportation from stagecoaches and wagons to the first modern car. Almost a century later, the Guardians after being the inspiration for the Cleveland Guardians baseball team's name continue to watch over traffic and symbolize the economic prosperity of early 20th century Cleveland.

4. Millionaires Row

From 1870 to 1920, a large stretch of Euclid Avenue from East 9th street to East 55th street was host to countless mansions that coined the area the name Millionaires row. From the famous Rockefellers to several other generational wealthy families, Millionaires Row was home to the vast majority of the city's wealthy elites of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While Euclid Avenue today serves as the home of Cleveland State University and various commercial and residential areas, the history of this period can still be seen in the few mansions still preserved by the Cleveland Historical Society.

Importance of Historical Landmarks

Cleveland, Ohio has a very extensive and rich history that has helped shape the city to what it is today. From millionaires on Euclid Avenue, some of the country's first public housing developments, to being host to several ethnic migrations and immigrations, the city of Cleveland has been at the center of every historical period and phenomena in American history. The continued preservation and recognition of the many historical landmarks all throughout the city allows for new visitors and longtime residents to learn about the city's history so that as we continue forward into the 21st century Cleveland can continue to revitalize and become a prosperous city once again.

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