A lot has changed since Moses Cleaveland first set foot in what would become Cleveland. The Forest City still remains a vibrant and lovely landscape, even though it has grown into an urban hub of activity. All sorts of unique features and iconic landmarks dot the skyline, and, believe it or not, many of these destinations have been here a long time. They've changed remarkably little over the years. How many of these old school Cleveland landmarks do you recognize?
Cleveland's Old Arcade has an atmosphere that's straight out of Milan, Italy. This gorgeous Romanesque-inspired structure was opened to the public in 1890, and it was just as much a marvel then as it is now. Its construction was funded by wealthy Clevelanders like John D. Rockefeller, which allowed it to features the most impressive architectural advancements of the era. It has been renovated in the many years that have passed, but its original beauty must have enchanted the National Convention of Republican Clubs during their 1895 banquet.
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2. Euclid Avenue between E. 14th and E. 17th, 1914
This landscape looks rather different today, as this little stretch of road is now one of Cleveland's most iconic districts. Nowadays, this district is exactly where you'd go if you want to view the largest outdoor chandelier in the world. That's right - this stretch of street became known as Playhouse Square within the decade after this image was taken. Its first two theaters opened in February of 1921, and its remaining theaters opened shortly thereafter.
Erie Street Cemetery has long been the site of local legends, as it houses some of the area's most prominent and notorious early settlers. It's also the oldest existing cemetery in the city - when it was established in 1826, it was at the edge of the city. The city grew, however, and it encompassed and surrounded this cemetery. So much so, in fact, that The Pioneers' Memorial Association was formed to advocate for its preservation. Its future was still somewhat uncertain in 1921, as developers and city planners had their eyes on this prime piece of real estate. Bodies were even removed at one time to make way for city streets; however, the city management chose to build around this local landmark in 1925, securing its future and proving its importance as a piece of Cleveland history.
4. Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument in Public Square, 1924
Even surrounded by the rubble of the Terminal Tower construction, the 1894 Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument is striking. It was designed and adorned with sculptures crafted by Levi Scofield, a Cleveland native and Civil War veteran. (Scofield, sometimes spelled Schofield, also famously designed the Mansfield Reformatory.) The monument, whose sculptures are among the first to feature black and white soldiers fighting side by side, lists the name of some 9,000 local Civil War veterans. Despite this, it was discovered that the names of 140 black soldiers were excluded from the monument in later research. Following nearly 20 years of work verifying the legacy of these veterans, the names were rightfully added to the monument in 2019.
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5. The proud (and unfinished) Terminal Tower, 1928
At 52 stories tall, the stunning Terminal Tower continues to wow visitors. However, at the time of its construction, it was the second tallest building in the entire world. It remained the tallest building outside of New York for decades, and it was the tallest structure in the state until Key Tower was constructed. When this photo was snapped, the tower was open to tenants... though construction wouldn't be completed until 1930. Interestingly, the building was originally intended to be only 14 stories. It was found upon its completion that visitors on its higher floors can see the landscape stretch for roughly 30 miles on a clear day! This fact made its external lighting valuable in its early days, as it helped guide airplanes and ships alike in their navigation to the city.
6. The Guardians of Traffic keeping an eye on the city, 1939
The Lorain–Carnegie Bridge, now known as the Hope Memorial Bridge, is a gorgeous monument to Art Deco architecture. Constructed in 1932 for the equivalent of over $87 million in modern currency, this bridge is tall enough for ships to pass under yet sturdy enough to support the weight of traffic and a few larger-than-life statues. These 43-foot pillars are beloved by locals nowadays, but they were not always so cherished. In fact, their very existence was threatened in the 1970s when their locally-sourced sandstone had been dirtied by the era's pollution. The city decided to keep them, of course. Today, the statues are as clean as they were in this image taken just a few years after the bridge's completion.
7. The Italian Cultural Garden under construction, 1940
The Cleveland Cultural Gardens have a fascinating history that dates back to 1916. In that year, the garden that would become known as the British Cultural Garden opened to the public. Now, there are more than 30 gardens. The Italian Cultural Garden (shown above) was one of the earliest to open, though it took 11 years before the garden was completed and was dedicated on September 14, 1941. Its landscape was conceived in the grand spirit of the Renaissance and was inspired from the very moment it was envisioned.
The Old Stone Church is made memorable by its steeple... which, you may have noticed, is not adorning the sandstone church in this image. It was originally featured on the church when it was completed in 1855, but it was lost in a fire in 1857. The current steeple was recreated and added in 1999 as one of a series of renovations, one of which was in progress when this image was taken. In 1961, construction had just begun on the church's new Parish House. The endeavor was completed in 1964.
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9. Wade Memorial Chapel in Lake View Cemetery, 1973
Is there a cemetery anywhere in the state as grand and iconic as Lake View Cemetery? This lovely landscape is more of a peaceful garden than a place of mourning, and it includes some spectacular marvels. Wade Memorial Chapel is a Neoclassical-style structure that was constructed in 1901 in memoriam of Jeptha Wade. Its incredible interior was designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany, and it is a breathtaking visual journey into the afterlife. This lovely local landmark was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the very year that this image was taken, and it's no wonder why. Its beauty is undeniable even to this day!
If you lived in Cleveland prior to 1994, you surely remember Otto Moser's when it operated in its original location on East 4th Street. This long-standing restaurant opened its doors in 1893 in what was, at the time, Cleveland's theater district. While East 4th Street certainly looks different today, it has the same charm at its core.
These incredible Cleveland landmarks are overflowing with incredible history. How many of these familiar places did you recognize?
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
Today, Cleveland's Terminal Tower has a history that's deeply intertwined with that of the city. It's a source of pride for locals, and, quite frankly, it should be. The Terminal Tower is the second-tallest building in Ohio, but, once upon a time, it was the second-tallest in the world. A few decades later, the tower is still the second-tallest building in Cleveland and is impressive to this day... and in its larger-than-life architecture is a hidden story that deserves to be celebrated. After all, its engineers reached new and incredible heights.
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When the 52-story Terminal Tower first opened in 1930, crowds were stunned by its beauty.
Many Clevelanders already enjoyed a sneak preview by assisting during its construction, but to others, this Beaux-Arts beauty was unexpectedly stunning. At the time it opened, its massive height was challenged only by the 791-foot-tall Woolworth Building in New York City. The height of the Terminal Tower is a whopping at 771 feet (or 235 meters) - a very close second at the time.
The project was funded by the Van Sweringen brothers, who were already locally famous.
The Van Sweringen brothers were well-known in Greater Cleveland, thanks in part to their hand in modernizing Shaker Heights. Their construction of the Shaker Rapid Transit, which opened in 1920, connected the sleepy community to the bustling center of Downtown Cleveland. For a pricey $179 million, they started construction on the Terminal Tower in 1926.
Construction continued for a more few years... and when the tower was finally dedicated on June 28, 1930, it was undeniable that Cleveland was an incredibly modern city.
When this photo was taken in 1928, Cleveland had already accomplished many firsts. Cleveland was already home to several stunning arcades, with the Old Arcade considered by many to be the world's first shopping mall. However, the building had already quietly opened to tenants in 1928. Within two years, its external lighting was revealed, and its strobe light was bright enough to guide ships and planes.
While its strobe light and spotlights were impressive, the Second World War caused the city to turn them off.
The tower remained dark until September 22, 1974. By that time, its iconic strobe light was replaced with standard aircraft warning lights. Today, its collection of 508 LEDs continue to paint it in a beautiful light.
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The Terminal Tower remained the tallest building in the world outside of New York City until a Moscow structure took its title in 1953.
When it was unveiled in 1991, Key Tower - now the tallest building in Cleveland - was known as Society Center. Key Tower is still among the top 50 tallest buildings in the United States, challenged primarily by structures in New York City and Chicago.
It's amazing to consider that the Terminal Tower was originally meant to be just 14 stories in height... but, fortunately, a little bit of Cleveland know-how changed that plan.
Today, its 52 stories make it an iconic addition to the Cleveland skyline. The Van Sweringen brothers intertwined this design with their Shaker Transit vision by placing it at the nexus of Public Square railways, and they rounded it out by pitching the tower as something like a "city within a city." Railroad tycoons hailed Cleveland as being a city of the future.
While various construction projects in the ensuing decades effectively dwarfed the Terminal Tower in the grand scheme of things, its legacy continues to inspire Clevelanders to this day,
Iconic, beautiful, and arguably the most recognizable aspect of Cleveland's skyline, the Terminal Tower continues to dazzle visitors to this day.
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While the Terminal Tower may just be the second-tallest building in Ohio, locals will never forget when it was the second tallest in the whole world. Heck, it was the tallest building outside of New York for decades after its construction! Truly, this iconic landmark put Cleveland on the map.
And if you want to check out more Cleveland architecture (there's a lot of neat things to discover!), you'll definitely want to take a walking tour of our magnificent city before exploring even more incredible sights inside these fantastic structures.
