By the shores of Lake Erie rests the city of Cleveland, Ohio, the seat of Cuyahoga County, which is Ohio's most densely populated county. Established in 1796, the city is situated near the Cuyahoga River, about sixty miles away from the borders of Pennsylvania. Due to its situation as the start of many canals and railroads, it turned into a major manufacturing town. According to a census record from the year 2000, Cleveland is home to 478,403 residents. At that time, it was the thirty-third biggest city in all of the United States. However, today it ranks as the forty-third biggest, since there has been a decline in population since then. Greater Cleveland is the biggest metropolitan section of Ohio, coming in twenty-third biggest in the country with 2,250,871 people. People who reside in the city are referred to as Clevelanders. The city does have a few nicknames, including The Forest City, C-Town, and the Metropolis of the Western Reserve. Since Cleveland is the home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, it is sometimes referred to as the Rock and Roll Capital of the World.
Cleveland was named on July 22, 1796. The city was christened thus by surveying members of the Connecticut Land Company. They were laying Connecticut's Western Reserve out into townships. They named the capital city after General Moses Cleaveland, their leader. It was Cleaveland who was in charge of overseeing the plans for Cleveland's modern downtown section. He then returned to his home and never visited Ohio again. The first true settler of Cleveland was one Lorenzo Carter, who constructed himself a simple cabin near the Cuyahoga River. The village of Cleveland was made official on December 23, 1814. Even though the winters were severe and the land swampy, the village had the advantages of being near the river. After the Ohio and Erie canals were finished in the year 1832, the village saw huge amounts of growth. Cleveland officially became an incorporated city in the year 1836.
There was much quarreling with the nearby Ohio City about a bridge which connected the towns. Ohio City stayed on as an independent municipality up to the time it became annexed by the town of Cleveland during the year 1854. The area began its steady flourishing then, as it was a meeting point for the iron ore being freighted across the Great Lakes, as well as other valuable raw materials from the South. In the year 1870, John D. Rockefeller established the Standard Oil Company in the city, though its headquarters were relocated in 1885 to New York. The city of Cleveland began to ascend as a major center for the country's manufacturing, including providing a home for producers of steel, automobiles, and more.
The city of Cleveland has gone through many trials since its establishment. In addition to the quarrel regarding the bridge separating Cleveland and Ohio City, it has also faced problems ranging from financial difficulties to an infamous fire in 1969. However, Cleveland has made much effort to improve itself in areas including infrastructure, economy, and investments in the arts. The city has even been ranked by a 2005 issue of The Economist as “one of the most livable cities in the United States of America.” Cleveland has also been ranked as the best city in which to hold a business meeting in the continental United States. However, with all of these vast improvements, there is still room for more growth, as challenges related to poverty, funding, and quality of education are still being faced by the city.
The city of Cleveland is large in size, featuring over eighty-two square miles. A little more than four square miles of this amount is made up of water. The city's racial demographics are almost evenly split between African Americans and Caucasians, with over fifty-two percent being African American and over forty percent being Caucasian. There are also very small percentages of Hispanic and Native American residents. According to a census report from 2000, Cleveland has about 478,000. There are about 190,600 hundred households, and111,900 families living in Cleveland. The density of population is estimated to be 6,160 persons per square mile. As of 2008, Cleveland has been in the rank of seventh most dangerous city in the United States. From 2005 to 2006, the violent crime rates remained nearly the same in most areas. However, Cleveland's murder rates did decline by 30%. During 1971, Cleveland's crime rates were significantly smaller than many other large cities. However, during the 1980s, gang activity emerged.
The activity is said to be associated with drugs, and since then the city has been making every effort to eradicate gang activity.
Since Cleveland's historical manufacturing industries have declined, the business opportunities in the city have mostly converted to service, such as in finances, insuring, and healthcare. The city is also well-known for its musical associations, due to its being the home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Cleveland serves as the corporate headquarters for many big corporations, including National City Corporation, Forest City Enterprises, the Sherwin Williams Company, and KeyCorp. Cleveland is also home to one of the NASA facilities. The city's biggest single employer is the Cleveland Clinic, which is renowned all over the world and is ranked as one of the country's best hospitals.
Some of the Cleveland companies that have the highest amount of jobs are Best Buy, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, IBM, and Rockwell Automation. The most common jobs in the city are in sales and offices. Service and management are common as well, and an estimated 65% of the city's workers are employed by a company. Fifteen percent are working in government while just 3% are self-employed. Some more common jobs in Cleveland are registered nursing, therapy, and sales clerking.
Education, health, and social assisting are the three biggest industries in the city. Following closely are manufacturing, arts, entertaining, recreation, and food service. The average salary for a job in the city is 31,476 dollars per year, according to the government. Cleveland's unemployment rate is at 17%, which is much higher than the nation's percentage of just under 7%.
Since Cleveland is home to many immigrants from various countries around the world, it is no surprise that there are plenty of local traditions in cuisine. This is especially found to be true of such sections of Cleveland as Little Italy, the Slavic Village and Tremont. There are plenty of restaurants offering American fare as well as many types of cuisine from across the globe. There is a good selection of European food in every corner in the city. Cleveland is a city quite relevant to the professional cuisine world. Michael Ruhlman, a food writer, and Michael Symon of The Next Iron Chef fame are both local to Cleveland and known for their contributions to the culinary world. Many restaurants throughout the city have been given national acclaim in areas such as best new restaurant, best beef sandwich, and best steakhouse. Even the Chicago Tribune has published a feature in 2008 declaring Cleveland the country's hot dining city. The Siam Café is a casual, family-friendly place to find genuine Cantonese, Thai, and Vietnamese foods. One of the city's most beloved Asian restaurants, the Siam Café has an extensive menu of items that can be prepared to the diner's preference. For some of the best Italian food in the city, try the Mama Santa Restaurant and Pizzeria. A cozy, romantic atmosphere, the Pizzeria attracts couples, students, and lovers of culture for authentic Italian dishes and a bottle of wine. Tucked away in a corner of the city, the Mama Santa Restaurant and Pizzeria holds plenty of charm as well as good food. To sample some Mediterranean fare, head over to Shaker Square to visit Fire Food and Drink. Its open kitchen welcomes the restaurant's customers, offering food that is sophisticated and yet casual.
Having made extra effort to ensure diversity in entertainment including the fine arts, Cleveland is home to many sophisticated entertainment opportunities. The Playhouse Square Center in the city is the second biggest venue for performing arts in the entire country, second only to the Lincoln Center in New York. Located in the city's Theater District of Downtown Cleveland, the Square features five theaters, and hosts Opera Cleveland, as well as the Great Lakes Theater Festival. The Square also provides a venue for Broadway musicals, concerts and other similar events.
Cleveland has also been used as a set for multiple major studio films, as well as independent films. Starting in 1949 with The Kid From Cleveland, many popular movies have either been filmed in this city or have something to do with the city, including One Trick Pony, Stranger Than Paradise, Major League I and II, The Soloist, Happy Gilmore, and Spider-Man 3. Cleveland was also the setting for “The Drew Carey Show.”
There are two major art museums in the city which should not be passed up. The Cleveland Museum of Art, located on the east side of the city in Wade Park, is world-renowned for its artifacts of ancient Asian and Egyptian origin. The museum holds a permanent collection of over forty-three thousand works from all over the globe, and has stayed true to its founders' vision. The Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland, or MOCA, was founded in the year 1968. The main focus of the facility is on local Ohio artists, though they also exhibit works by Andy Warhol, Claes Oldeburg and others.
There are plenty of sightseeing opportunities in Cleveland for both tourists and residents who want to be well-informed about their city. University Circle in downtown Cleveland features a five 550- acre section of institutions devoted to culture, education, and medicine. These include the aforementioned art museums and the Cleveland Botanical Garden. Founded in 1930, the Botanical Garden is a beautiful and serene display of plant and animal life in two separate sections representing the Madagascar desert and a Costa Rican forest. Over 350 species of plants are available for viewing, as well as fifty types of animals, especially a large concentration of butterflies.
Of course, no trip to Cleveland should leave out the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a museum in downtown Cleveland, right on Lake Erie. The museum's archives remember the history of artists, producers and anyone else who has influenced the rock music industry. While the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was created in 1983, it had no place to call its home. Many different cities were considered, such as Memphis, New York City, and Cincinnati. However, Cleveland lobbied hard. The city was finally chosen and the museum we all know today was built in downtown Cleveland.
Cleveland also hosts the CMJ Rock Hall Music Fest, featuring acts both local and world-famous. However, this festival got put on hold indefinitely due to financial concerns. Cleveland hosts the Cleveland International Film Festival as well, and has since 1977. The city also puts on a light celebration called Winterfest every holiday season.
Anyone who endures a long trip to Cleveland or a stressful work day deserves a place to wind down and relax for a drink, or even dance the night away carefree. Whether you are looking for some lively conversations, local music, or high energy dancing, Cleveland is home to every type of bar or club you could ever want, and has something for every personality. Fat Fish Blue will make you feel like you are relaxing in the French Quarter. This watering hole-style bar has a casual atmosphere where you can have a few drinks, listen to a live blues band, and browse the delicious menu. For more of an emphasis on music, visit Howl at the Moon Cleveland. Guests from anywhere can team up with the house pianists and sing and perform for a good time. For a jazzy, flashy dance club, check out the Velvet Dog. Awash in bright lights and crazy colors, this multi-floor dance club has themed dance rooms playing fun, retro music. The large bar has a great selection of drinks and serves private parties as well. For the feel of a genuine Irish bar, visit Flannery's Pub. Located by the stadium of the Cleveland Indians, this pub is a game-day favorite that features live music on weekends and great drinks every night.
The Forest City's yearly fashion event, Fashion Week Cleveland, is second only to New York in United States Fashion Weeks and is certainly the greatest in the Midwest. It is one of the very few United States fashion events that is internationally known. Fashion Week Cleveland was started in 2002, and is one of just fourteen international Fashion Week happenings in the United States. This event showcases new fashion designers from America. Past features have included MoMo Falana and Wendy Pepper.
There are many options for shopping in Cleveland, and for much more than just fashion. The area boasts a good selection of shopping centers, including the Avenue at Tower City. This downtown shopping complex is a beautiful and interesting icon of Cleveland architecture. Featuring stores like Ann Taylor, a movie theater and restaurants, the Avenue is the perfect destination for an afternoon of leisure.
Not far away is another shopping center with unique and beautiful charm. Crocker Park, situated just minutes away from Cleveland, is a 75-acre complex of stores, dining establishments, office buildings and apartments. Its cobbled paths and town square lend it a certain charm not often found in shopping centers, yet it is equipped with every modern convenience and fashionable shopping destination.
Since Cleveland is home to the Cleveland Clinic, which is known as one of the top four hospitals in the entire country, it is no surprise that the city is also full of other establishments for maintaining the health, beauty and overall well-being of its residents. The Cleveland Clinic was founded in the year 1921. Its purpose was to provide excellent care for patients, and research and educate in the perfect medical environment. Patients from all over the world travel to the Cleveland Clinic for care. The Clinic is currently in the number one ranking for cardiac care in the United States.
There are also a number of salons and spas in the city for relaxation, therapy, and beauty treatments. Some of the well-known salons and spas include Charles Scott Salon & Spa, Marengo Luxury Spa, Revelations Salon and Spa and Bella Capelli Sanctuario. Massage parlors are also in abundance in the city, as they are one of the best ways to relieve stress and target health problems. Some of Cleveland's best are Sacred Hour Massage and Skin Care Studio, Oaks Massage Therapy & Day Spa, and Everything by Face.
Cleveland has fitness, diet, and nutrition centers as well, for the continued good health of its residents. Some of the most popular establishments include Wilmeister Gym, Dynamic Nutrition & Personal, and Empowerment. With programs like these, all of Cleveland's residents have the chance to be in the best health of their lives.
Cleveland has a wealth of fine dining establishments, pubs, and popular tourist attractions. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Louis Stokes Museum, and Western Reserve Historical Society are among the favorite places visited by tourists. Popular activities in summer include catching the performance of the Cleveland Orchestra at the Blossom Music Center. Leisure travelers can enjoy comfortable accommodation at the Cleveland hotels while they marvel the beautiful parks, zoos, museums and other interesting locations in the city.
Some of these hotels are located near the favorite attractions, shopping districts, and restaurants. These are some good hotel choices that offer affordable rates. The La Quinta Inn Cleveland Airport is in a convenient location. Guests can readily access the nearby attractions like Great Lakes Science Center, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, several sports and music venues, shopping malls within a 10-minute drive, and more. The hotel has excellent amenities including a fitness center, laundry facility, and other complimentary services. Another nice hotel located in downtown Cleveland is Radisson Hotel Cleveland Gateway with an on-site restaurant, gym, and business center. The 142 rooms are equipped with cable TV, a large work desk, and more.
Another great choice is the Sheraton Cleveland Airport Hotel with an extraordinary staff willing to assist the guests and make their stay perfect. The hotel's amenities include a pool under the glass enclosed atrium, a whirlpool bath, and fitness center. Business travelers can stay in the Comfort Inn Downtown – Cleveland, a city-center hotel with 130 guestrooms. Business amenities include meeting rooms, audio-visual equipment, and other business services. The Clarion Hotel Cleveland East/Beachwood features a restaurant and a lounge. This hotel has 127 rooms to accommodate several travelers and vacationers in Cleveland, Ohio.
Cleveland Ohio boasts some of the greatest public and private schools across the U.S. The school district is headed by the city's mayor who appoints the school board and is responsible for overseeing the funding and achievements of the district. They are currently striving to achieve their goal of being one of the nation's premier education systems. It is home to over 120 elementary schools, high schools and charter schools, as well as several private schools. The Ohio department of education website keeps track of each school in the Cleveland district, as well as grades them on academic performance. Not only does this make an excellent resource for parents of children currently living in Cleveland, as it allows them to check how their school is doing academically compared to the rest of the nation, this makes it easy for families and parents who are moving to the area make sure their children go to an excellent school. Cleveland houses 9 private schools the majority being catholic, however one school, Eleanor Gerson School, provides alternative education for students with emotional problems and/or behavioral difficulties.
As well as housing a large number of K-12 schools, Cleveland is also home to several colleges and universities, including the prestigious Case Western Reserve University a private research university that was ranked 38th in the nation and is known primarily for its medical, law, and dental schools as well as its biomedical research center. Within the same area you will find Cleveland's Institute of Art and its Institute of Music. Cleveland also houses several other universities with some focusing on specializations such as art, music, and business. Other Universities include the Cuyahoga Community college which is a two year general education college, and the oldest one in the entire state. Business students may be interested in Chancellor University a private university which first opened its doors in 1848.
Getting around Cleveland can seem daunting but you have plenty of great and easy options to use. Cleveland was named America's best mass transit system in 2007 by the American Public Transportation Association. As well as supporting Amtrak, the national rail system, Cleveland proudly hosts two light rail lines known as the Green and Blue Lines and a single heavy rail line known as the Red Line as well as a rapid bus line which provides faster bus service than Cleveland's intercity bus system from downtown through to the Stokes-Windermere Transit Station. The intercity bus system provides service throughout Cleveland itself as well as the surrounding areas of Brookpark, Akron, Brunswick, Lorain County, and Medina County. Cleveland has also committed to being bicycle friendly, with its Bikeway Master Plan. So far they have already accomplished many steps in the plan such as new trails, the inclusion of bike lanes along Euclid Ave and the bicycle parking ordinance. Due to its efforts, Cleveland was awarded an Honorable Mention by the League of American Bicyclists.
If driving to and from your destination is what you need, then you'll be happy to know that there are several highways and interstates serving the Cleveland area. The major highways of interest include I-71 connects downtown Cleveland to its southwestern neighborhoods as well as Columbus and Cincinnati. I-77 connects Cleveland to Akron, OH and I-90 which connects northern Cleveland with its western side and on through Lake County, OH. Cleveland has recently been proposed as the city to host the Ohio Hub project. This project would bring a high speed railway system to the area and the state which would expand about 860 miles and connect Ohio with four nearby states as well as Ontario, Canada. This new rail system will allow citizens of Cleveland and Ohio even greater traveling options, allowing them to travel quickly to areas within and out of the state without having to worry about long drives and traffic.
Cleveland, Ohio is a large city governed by an elected Mayor who serves a four year term. There is also a city council, many municipal departments, commissions and boards. The City of Cleveland has two courts, the Municipal Court and the Housing Court. The Mayor is assisted by his Cabinet, made up of all of the Department Heads. The Cabinet Chiefs include a Chief of Staff who handles the daily tasks related to running a city. There is also a Chief Operations Office, and Chiefs of Regional Development, Education, Communications, Government Affairs, Sustainability and Public Affairs. These Chiefs are then followed by the Directors of the municipal departments, who are also members of the Mayor's Cabinet. These departments include Finance, which handles the City's money; Health; Law; Parks, Recreation and Properties, which manages over 150 parks and playgrounds; Port Control and Public Safety which includes Fire, Police and Rescue personnel. Other Cabinet Members include the Press Secretary who handles all communications with the press, the Police Chief, the Fire Chief and the Commissioner of Emergency Medical Services among others.
City Council meetings are held at City Hall and are open to the public. An up-to-date schedule of times and locations can be found on the City's official website at http://portal.cleveland-oh.gov/CityofCleveland/Home. The Cleveland Metropolitan School District is divided up into 19 Wards which together contain 127 schools. There is also a Recreation Center which welcomes children and teens to many after-school programs and classes.
For dog owners, there is a Dog Park as part of the Parks Department holdings. Attractions in the city include the Cleveland Zoo and the Cleveland Browns football franchise. The Cleveland Public Library system is made up of a Main Library, 30 branches, and a Bookmobile. It also offers home delivery of books for the homebound, and a free mail service for returning books.
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