Cleveland was founded just over 200 years ago on the eastern bank of the Cuyahoga River and the southern shore of Lake Erie. Part of the Western Reserve, early settlers were deeded a small lot in what is now downtown, and a larger lot "out in the country." Some of today's suburbs and townships still carry the names of those early settlers.

Cleveland was a steel town, and the valley surrounding the Cuyahoga River was home to steel mills and factories that supplied the world with parts for cars, trucks, and machines. The Port of Cleveland still carries products from Cleveland to the world across the Great Lakes.

Early photographs and more history can be found at The Cleveland Memory Project.

Here is the link to the Encyclopedia of Cleveland History.