10 Fun Facts About Cleveland You Never Knew Were True
Cleveland is a city rich in history with many unique and interesting facts, including being the birthplace of Superman and the location of the first indoor shopping mall in America.
Cleveland is a city filled to the brim with history. There are stories surrounding just about every building, street, or park in the Forest City. With so much to keep track of, there are many interesting facts that people might overlook while exploring Cleveland's 220-year history.
The Cleveland Arcade, opened in 1890, is widely considered the first indoor shopping complex in America. Even better; its beautiful Victorian architecture and iconic skylight is still standing today.
Before there was Metropolis, there was Cleveland. When comic writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster first came up with their iconic superhero creation in 1933, they were high school students at Cleveland's Glenville High School.
3. The modern golf ball was invented in Cleveland.
The game of golf as we know it today owes a lot to Cleveland. In 1898, a Clevelander and avid golfer named Coburn Haskell inadvertently came up with the wound rubber design of modern golf balls. Think of that the next time you hit the links at one of the many golf courses around Cleveland.
The fields of science and technology have both been heavily influenced by some of Cleveland's best minds. From Charles F. Brush's 1879 invention of the electric streetlight to full-body scanners and X-ray machines in the 20th century, Cleveland has been a technological center throughout its history.
The roots of rock and roll are quite hard to definitively trace, but one thing that's certain is that if it weren't for Cleveland, it wouldn't have a name. Alan Freed, a radio DJ for WJW Cleveland in the 1950s, was the first to promote this new music under the name "rock and roll." It is due to his influence on the genre that when it came time to find a city to host the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, Cleveland was the most obvious choice.
6. Many celebrities were born and raised in Cleveland.
The road from Cleveland to Hollywood might be long, but that doesn't stop many top stars from making the journey. Bob Hope, Halle Berry, Drew Carey, Arsenio Hall, and many more famous figures grew up in Cleveland.
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7. Your favorite movie might have been shot in Cleveland.
Cleveland is a favorite shooting location for Hollywood blockbusters. Look for shots of famous Cleveland landmarks in movies like "The Avengers," "A Christmas Story," "Men in Black," or "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles."
The city of Cleveland got its name from its founder, General Moses Cleaveland. Why was the "a" dropped? A local newspaper didn't have enough space on its masthead to fit it, so the letter was dropped. The name stuck ever since.
9. The Cuyahoga River, or "the river that caught fire."
The Cuyahoga River that runs through most of northeast Ohio before depositing in Lake Erie has had an interesting history with Cleveland. The stretch of the river that runs through the city has caught on fire 13 different times!
Cleveland is one of the leading cities in the world for many high arts circles. The Cleveland Orchestra is frequently cited among the best classical orchestras in the world, and Fashion Week Cleveland is one of 14 annual major international fashion showcases in the world.
There is a lot to learn about Cleveland, and interesting facts like this only begin to scratch the surface of the city's vibrant history. Tell us some of your favorite tidbits about Cleveland in the comments!
Cleveland most definitely has an unfair reputation. For decades people have been turning their noses up at what they saw as a declining Rustbelt relic. But what they don't know is that Cleveland is just as amazing as it's always been. With world-class institutions and entertainment, and national bests in many fields, we've got a lot more going on than we're ever given credit for. So here are the reasons why Cleveland is the most underrated city in the U.S. Once you have read about all the best things about living in Cleveland, you just might want to move here yourself.
The Cleveland Orchestra has been called the "finest orchestra in the country," and you only have to listen to them once to understand why. Whether you're into classical music or not, the CSO has something for you. Their repertoire is second to none, and the quality of the music is just outstanding. Are you a music lover and wondering "is Cleveland a good place to live?" If so, we can tell you the answer is a resounding "yes!"
2. We have the second-best art museum in the country.
After the Met in New York, the Cleveland Museum of Art has been named the best art museum in the country. The collection is world-class, and the CMA holds regular events for kids, adults, and families in order to get people involved in the arts. Plus, admission is free.
None of the experts thought the Cavs would win the championship. None of the experts thought the Indians would make it to the World Series. Skepticism and doubt came from all sides: no one thought Cleveland would excel. No one but Clevelanders, because we knew better. And just look at us now! Some of the best athletes in the US have been moving to Cleveland to improve our scene even more.
The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association, awarded Cleveland the Gold Medal for Metroparks management in 2016. It's the fourth time we've held that honor since 1994. The Cleveland Metroparks offer all kinds of activities - from walking, hiking, and bike riding to magical Christmas train rides and medicinal plant workshops. They're home to the Cleveland Zoo and miles and miles of trails for you to explore.
According to historian and author Nat Brandt, it was a series of events occurring in Oberlin, OH, that catalyzed the beginning of the Civil War. The Abolitionist movement from Oberlin to Cleveland enraged pro-slavery sentiments in surrounding counties, cities, and states. One night, the townspeople of Oberlin and surrounding towns got together to free a runaway slave named John Price, who had been kidnapped by US Marshals. This Abolitionist jailbreak is credited as a breaking point that led to the beginning of the war.
Whether you're a staunch traditionalist or want to taste every food on the planet, Cleveland's burgeoning food scene has something for you. World-famous chefs like Michael Symon, Jonathan Sawyer, and Dante Boccuzzi are changing the food scene to include new and interesting local ingredients, as well as reinventing old favorites like BBQ. They're supporting local businesses and farmers in the process, and improving Cleveland's national and global image among foodies. In addition, there are local favorites like Slyman's that have been keeping every palate and budget in Cleveland happy and satisfied for years.
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7. We have some of the best healthcare in the country.
Cleveland Clinic was named the number two hospital in the country for 2016-2017 by the US News & World Rankings. It's ranked number one for cardiology and heart surgery in the US, and nine of its other programs were ranked top five in the nation. This is good news for both the general population, and anyone in Ohio wanting to study medicine or specialize in certain medical fields.
The cost of living in Cleveland is between 10% and 21% below the national average (depending on the region taken into account and the means of calculating averages). Much of this is due to the low cost of housing, which has yet to fully recover from the Great Recession. But saving money on rent and mortgages means that other things in life are also more affordable.
As someone who moved to Cleveland, I can attest: Clevelanders are some of the nicest people I have ever met. If you respect them and their city, they will welcome you with open arms. You'll have recommendations for cafes, bars, restaurants, bands, and activities before you ever have to ask anyone. You'll get hugs and handshakes and how-are-yous from people you barely know. You will never be left without an invitation of friendship.
Okay, so our winters are harsh, and our weather can be a bit unpredictable, but we get all four seasons. Warm summers for swimming in Lake Erie, beautiful falls to enjoy the Metroparks' colorful displays, chilly and snowy winters for the perfect white Christmas, and blooming green springs to bring all that color and vitality back.
Finally, we know why so many dystopia or apocalypse films are set in the Midwest: we might just be the final frontier! Jeff Opperman, Nature Conservancy's senior advisor for sustainable hydropower, suggests that in the United States, Cleveland will be the city that is "most resilient/least vulnerable to climate change." Its geographic and climatic position means it's relatively invulnerable to rising sea levels, increased temperatures, and an increase in natural disasters, and its proximity to the Great Lakes means a sustainable long-term fresh water source. So, while you might think those disaster movies would indicate that there are some weird things about Cleveland, they really show that it's disaster-proof!
William Bostwick, the author of 'The Brewer’s Tale: A History of the World According to Beer', states the Midwest was the original beer capital of the United States. The coasts have dominated the beer game for a while, but the Midwest has snuck up and taken over in recent years. Bostwick asserts Cleveland is currently leading the beer scene in the U.S. Even better is that you can still get an artisan or microbrew draft for under $5!
13. Playhouse Square is the largest performing arts district outside Manhattan.
The second largest in the country, and the largest outside Manhattan, Playhouse Square hosts some of the best theater, music, comedy, and dance in the country. It sees international acts, home-grown heroes, and traveling Broadway productions.
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14. The job market is growing and diversifying every year.
The job market in Cleveland is on the rise. While traditional manufacturing jobs are declining, jobs in other markets are steadily increasing. Each year since the Great Recession there have been more jobs, more job ads, lower unemployment rates, and a more diversified labor market. The health and technology sectors have experienced significant growth, as have the arts and recreation, education, and management.
These are 14 of the reasons Cleveland is the most underrated city in the U.S. What else would you add? Please let us know in the comments section. We are always happy to hear your thoughts!
If you are looking for even more fun things to do in this city, check out Airbnb Experiences. You'll find fun activities for every taste.
Growing up, The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare was my favorite story. Sure, it was set in New England, but the description of a vast lake surrounded by birdsong somehow felt familiar to me as a Clevelander. And the description of flashes of red dancing past as blackbirds flew by, it was immediately recognizable as a vivid painting of the stunning red-winged blackbird. There's no shortage of red-winged blackbirds in Cleveland, as these birds are incredibly common around the Great Lakes. They love grassy areas, typically near wetlands or lakes, and they often fill the air with their distinct oak-a-leeee call. With a distinct throaty consonant followed by a musical slur, these gorgeous birds are instantly recognizable and a sure sign that summer has come.
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With a distinct call and eye-catching look, the red-winged blackbird is a true beauty.
In this video courtesy of the American Bird Conservancy YouTube channel, this bird's recognizable oak-a-leeee call resonates through the grassland. It's one of many songs these guys sing, and one of the more common calls from males of the species.
In this bird species, the males are recognizable for their velvety black feathers paired with a bold red and yellow shoulder.
As is true with many bird species, red-winged blackbirds are sexually dimorphic. Like peacocks, the males are just a little bit more fashionable than the females. Their mating season stretches from late April to late July or early August, so they have several months to flaunt their stuff and try to impress the ladies.
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The female red-winged blackbirds, on the other hand, are much more modest fashionistas.
Still gorgeous, these notably brown birds are obviously lacking the bright red shoulders of their male counterparts. Nonetheless, you'll often see a few of these gals around any one male. That's because the species is polygynous, meaning several females will claim one male as their social mate.
As a social mate, the male red-winged blackbird must defend up to 10 females and their nests.
As three or four eggs are typical from each female, these proud daddies could be protecting up to 40 chicks at any given time. That's why if you encounter red-winged blackbirds in Cleveland, they're probably keeping a close eye on you and perhaps exhibiting some aggressive behavior.
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Despite the strong father-child relationships when juvenile birds are still chicks, not all is perfect in red-winged blackbird paradise.
Here, an adult male and juvenile red-winged blackbird seem to be engaged in a vivid conversation. And while I am not a naturalist or fluent in bird, this little brown guy might be saying something like, "But you're not my real dad!" You see, though female red-winged blackbirds only take one social mate, they may actually mate with several males in a given mating season. As bird eggs are fertilized via polyspermy (multiple donors may fertilize a single egg), mixed paternity is common in this species.
If you're hoping to see one of these beauties in Cleveland, you're in luck. They're all over the area, but we've also got some of the finest birdwatching sites in Ohio.
Magee Marsh in Oak Harbor, just about an hour from home, is rich in wetlands and is an excellent spot to look for red-winged blackbirds. Other spots, like Girdled Road Reservation, are recognized as an an Important Bird Area by Audubon Ohio.
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Of course, you could also visit any stretch of Lake Erie's shore that's near an open grassy area or sparse forest.
It's so common to see red-winged blackbirds in Cleveland that you can almost expect it if you're hiking near water. As is true with most Northeast Ohio birds, these guys are a true sign of summer, as they tend to migrate to warmer climates once the threat of winter settles across the local landscape.
The distinct oak-a-leeee calls of red-winged blackbirds are absolutely nostalgic for Clevelanders.
Keep your eyes peeled on your next hike... you just might see one of these beauties! If you don't, still keep your ears alert. Their lovely and warm songs just might float over to greet you.
Each year, the presence of red-winged blackbirds in Cleveland causes the air to fill with a distinctly recognizable song. These lovely little birds are a welcome sight in the Cleveland Metroparks, around Lake Erie, and in fields throughout Northeast Ohio. Have you ever snapped a photo of one? We'd love to see your masterpieces in the comments! Oh, and if you're looking to flaunt your love of the great outdoors, be sure to check out the Parks Project.
Love birding in Northeast Ohio? Mark your calendars for May, because the annual springtime migration will be here before you know it.
