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History of Cleveland, Ohio

Cleveland was founded in 1796 by General Moses Cleaveland of the Connecticut Land Company.
Its location on Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River made it a major center for Great Lakes trade in the early 19th century.
Cleveland grew into a major industrial metropolis and gateway for immigrants seeking jobs and opportunities.
Post-World War II, Cleveland suffered from deindustrialization and suburbanization but has since pursued a gradual recovery.
The region was inhabited by paleo-Indians as far back as 10500 BC and evolved through various cultural periods.
The late Woodland period saw burial mounds and the introduction of maize and squash.
John W. Willey played a significant role in Cleveland's incorporation as a city in 1836 and oversaw its first two mayoral terms.
The Columbus Street Bridge aggravated the rivalry between Cleveland and Ohio City, which was eventually annexed by Cleveland in 1854.
Cleveland was home to a vocal group of abolitionists and was a major stop on the Underground Railroad.
During the Civil War, Cleveland experienced an economic boom and became a major industrial giant.
Samuel Mather co-founded Pickands Mather and Company in Cleveland in 1883, specializing in shipping and iron mining.
Cleveland became one of the five main oil refining centers in the U.S. in the late 19th century.A Brief History of Cleveland: From Industrial Boom to Turbulent Era
In 1870, Standard Oil began as a partnership in Cleveland with John D. Rockefeller and others.
Cleveland experienced an economic boom, growing into the nation's 10th largest city by 1890 with a population of 261,353.
The city's immigrant population continued to grow, including Southern and Eastern European immigrants attracted by job opportunities.
Gilded Age urban growth fostered the need for efficient public services, better working conditions, and labor unrest.
Mark Hanna became a dominant political figure, challenged by Republican Robert E. McKisson, who expanded government activities and called for city ownership of all utilities.
The Progressive Era, early 1900s, led to reforms for "home rule, three-cent fare, and just taxation" under Tom L. Johnson's mayorship.
Cleveland saw a cultural renaissance, including the establishment of the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Cleveland Orchestra.
The Great Depression hit Cleveland hard, with approximately 50% of industrial workers unemployed by 1933.
Harold H. Burton became mayor and appointed Eliot Ness as Safety Director, who cleaned up the corrupt police department and reduced crime.
Cleveland contributed massively to the U.S. war effort as the fifth largest manufacturing center in the nation during World War II.
After the war, Cleveland initially experienced an economic boom and was named an All-America City in 1949.
The turbulent era of the 1960s and 1970s saw Cleveland's economy slow down and residents seeking new housing, with Ralph S. Locher facing new challenges as mayor.The Evolution of Cleveland: From Industrialization to Resurgence
Cleveland experienced significant growth and prosperity during the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to its location as a transportation hub and industrial center.
The city suffered economically in the mid-20th century due to industrial restructuring and suburbanization following federally subsidized highways, and also faced racial tension and housing discrimination against African Americans.
In 1967, Carl B. Stokes became the first African American mayor of a major U.S. city, initiating reforms to boost the economy and aid poverty-stricken areas, including restoring the Cuyahoga River.
Stokes was succeeded by Ralph J. Perk, who expanded Cleveland's international ties and proposed the merger of the city's public transit system with neighboring suburbs.
Populist Democrat Dennis J. Kucinich became the youngest mayor of a major U.S. city, but faced controversy and a recall election due to conflicts with City Council and canceling the sale of the publicly owned electric company.
Cleveland experienced a gradual economic recovery under Mayor George V. Voinovich, who oversaw the construction of skyscrapers, the Gateway Sports and Entertainment Complex, and the North Coast Harbor.
Michael R. White continued development plans in the downtown area but faced controversy after a federal investigation revealed potential bribery from a former associate.
Jane L. Campbell became the city's first female mayor but faced economic challenges and budget cuts, although several neighborhoods attracted investment for revitalization.
Frank G. Jackson succeeded Campbell and faced challenges such as retaining the city's residency laws and the impact of the Great Recession, but Cleveland diversified its economy and gained a reputation for healthcare and the arts.
The city's downtown and several neighborhoods experienced significant population growth since 2010, and Cleveland became a national leader in environmental protection with its successful cleanup of the Cuyahoga River.
Cleveland City Council issued a declaration in 2020 stating that racism constitutes a public health emergency, and a new mayor, Justin Bibb, was elected in 2021.
Cleveland has a rich history of inventions and firsts, including the first electric traffic signal, the first rock and roll concert, and the invention of the modern golf ball.