Cleveland is a city that’s fairly young when you consider that our eastern neighbors hosted some of the first European settlements in what would become the United States. Despite this, it seems that a great deal of history was borne right here in Cleveland and the surrounding region. While much of this history is common knowledge amongst residents, Cleveland contains a great deal of hidden history. Today we’re taking a tour through time, and we’ll be visiting some historic happenings that just may surprise you.
In 1786, the Moravian Missionaries are recognized as the first settlers to populate Northeast Ohio. In the Cuyahoga Valley area, they established Pilgerruh, or Pilgrim's Rest, to serve and convert the indigenous population. They established their settlement on the grounds of an abandoned Ottawa village thought to be located between the modern Stone and Schreiber Roads. This same group previously established Gnadenhutten and Schoenbrunn, two settlements founded in 1772 (and one of which ended in tragedy shortly thereafter, as the above photo demonstrates).
As you may know, our city is named for Moses Cleaveland, the Connecticut Land Company surveyor that first mapped out the city. He arrived in 1796, and population growth was rather slow following his departure. Despite this, the settlement celebrated its first wedding almost exactly one year later… at a time when the community still spelled its name with an "a". Chloe Inches and William Clement, the aforementioned couple, celebrated their nuptials on July 4, 1797.
Believed to be the first frame house on Euclid Avenue, Dunham Tavern is now known as the oldest building on its original site in The Land. Now a museum, this home was completed in 1824. As the city grew, the area surrounding the structure became a stagecoach route, and the Dunham family took advantage of this and opened a tavern. It operated as such until 1857, but the structure persisted even through the rise, fall, and eventual renewal of Euclid Avenue.
You have likely heard about the longest operating volunteer militia in the state, as its gorgeous headquarters now functions as a museum. While its grand, castle-like structure is instantly recognizable, the Grays have humble roots. They did not even see military service for the first two decades of their existence - until the Civil War changed everything. Though the members of this group did see service in a few different affairs, the group now primarily serves as an educational organization.
Cholera has resulted in several pandemics in the past few centuries, and some of the most brutal occurred in the 1800s. Here in Ohio, 1832 and 1849 were particularly devastating years. The 1849 epidemic likely claimed the life of former president James K. Polk, and Cleveland residents were among the first in the state to display symptoms. Those that survived a cholera diagnosis were often treated with calomel, a drug containing mercury chloride with side effects that were often as debilitating as the disease.
6. Cleveland Rolling Mill Co. installs Bessemer converters, 1868
Have you ever wondered how Cleveland's steel industry began? It started with a company that rerolled and produced iron rails for the railroad industry. They brought the first blast furnace into Cleveland, and they eventually introduced Bessemer converters to produce steel. Over the years, the company dealt with strikes, but it was acquired by the American Steel and Wire Company of New Jersey and was eventually absorbed by the United States Steel Corporation.
7. The Brush Electric Co. light up Cleveland, 1879
In 1880, Charles F. Brush set out to change the world with the establishment of the Brush Electric Co. Just months prior to the company’s establishment, Brush demonstrated the effectiveness of his groundbreaking arc light system by lighting up Cleveland’s Public Square. Soon, thousands of arc lights illuminated U.S. cities from coast to coast.
Carl B. Stokes is a name Clevelanders are quite familiar with. When this man was born in Cleveland in 1927, his family could not imagine that he would drop out of high school and eventually join the Army. They certainly could not have guessed that he would go on to become one of the first African Americans to serve as mayor of a major U.S. city. This fearless politician, news anchor, and veteran passed in his hometown in 1996, but he left behind a legacy that remains impressive to this day.
Once upon a time, Cleveland was a segregated community. These sentiments were reflected in local amusement parks and businesses... but also in the local workforce. Coinciding with the Second Great Migration, or the movement of southern African American populations toward Northeastern cities, led to a notable amount of racial tension in the city. Riots and arson broke out in Cleveland's Hough neighborhood, but that was just the beginning of a series of tragedies. Tensions culminated in the infamous Glenville shootout of July, 1968, a gunfight between the Cleveland Police Department and the Black Nationalists of New Libya. The riots continued for days, costing the city $2.6 million in damages and requiring Mayor Stokes to call in the Ohio Army National Guard.
Cleveland is home to a great deal of history, and it seems that one can spend a lifetime here and still learn something new every day. Which of these historical happenings surprised you most?
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...
Historic recurrence is a theme that you may have learned about over the years… it essentially means that history repeats itself. We’ve seen it time and time again as kingdoms have risen and fallen. We must learn about history, good, bad, and at times, ugly, to ensure we as humans don’t make the same mistakes. Today we are featuring the David Mark Berger Memorial in Beachwood and take a look back at the most infamous event in Olympic history, in which a Cleveland-born Olympic athlete and 10 other souls were lost too soon. This article will merely provide a brief overview of the tragic event and will keep the grimmer details of the heartbreaking situation to a minimum, but you are encouraged to dig more into this historic event about these Olympic athletes from Ohio… lest we forget.
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There's a strange structure in Beachwood, Ohio that requires a bit of understanding of history to appreciate.
This structure, the David Berger Memorial Sculpture, tells a tale of heartbreak, of violence, and of one world coming together in a time when technology was evolving.
To understand this story, we'll have to travel back to the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, West Germany.
This event was the second Olympic event to be held in Germany, just after the 1936 Games in Berlin. During the former games, Adolf Hitler purportedly snubbed Cleveland-raised Jesse Owens. While the games were revolutionary thanks to television satellites and incredible architectural design, the event was largely overshadowed by what became known as the Munich Massacre.
In the second week of the games, an attack known as the Munich Massacre unfolded.
David Mark Berger was at the event competing as a weightlifter. He was born and raised in Cleveland, but he moved to Israel with the intent of opening a law practice. While there, he was chosen as a member of the 1972 Israeli Olympic team.
On September 5, 1972, Berger and several of his roommates were taken hostage by a terrorist group.
Berger and his athlete roommates were sleeping when Palestinian group Black September breached the grounds. In total, 11 Israeli Olympic team members were taken hostage. When negotiations went south, all 11 individuals were killed. Police killed five of the eight kidnappers during rescue attempts, and the remaining three individuals were later captured.
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Initially, the media reported that the hostages survived. The optimistic news left viewers from around the world crestfallen when the truth finally emerged.
Based on regulations outlined in the West German constitution, and, of course, post-war tension, the army had been unable to assist in the athletes' rescue. The Olympics ceased for a full 34 hours, and a memorial service following the attacks drew 80,000 spectators.
A memorial was erected outside of Olympic Stadium in Munich, and one was eventually erected in Greater Cleveland.
The structure over in Beachwood consists of broken Olympic rings, unveiled in 1975. The rings rest on 11 segments to represent each athlete whose life was taken. It was originally situated in Cleveland Heights, but it eventually moved to the grounds of the Mandel Jewish Community Center. Though Berger had dual citizenship, he did not return to Israel with the other deceased athletes. Instead, his body came home to Greater Cleveland and was laid to rest in Mayfield Cemetery.
Today, the monument stands in memory of 11 brave, hardworking athletes lost too soon.
The structure, a national memorial, also stands to remind us of the horrors of terrorism. Following the event, many athletes ceased participation in the 1972 Summer Olympics. The event was "broken," like the rings of this memorial, following the tragedy. We see historic recurrence again and again, and this memorial reminds us to this very day that the humans of the world are stronger when standing in unity.
The Munich Massacre claimed the lives of several gifted individuals, including one Cleveland-born Olympic athlete, in an event that was covered heavily by the news. Though the event is decades in the past now, this monument still stands at 26001 S Woodland Road to greet and educate visitors. You can learn more about the sculpture, the tragedy, and the people involved in it on the National Parks Service website.
Want to visit another local memorial? Swing down to Medina, Ohio to view a 9/11 Memorial featuring a piece of the Twin Towers.
