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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

Cleveland is the city in the state of Ohio, founded in 1796 by surveyors of the Connecticut Land Company. The city thrived after the American Civil War due to its geographic location as a transportation hub. By the early 20th century, Cleveland had the appearance of a modern metropolis, and the city played an essential role in national politics. The Republican Party held its National Convention in the city. Iron, Steel, copper, chemicals, oil refining, and metals fabrication were the major industries. Cleveland’s economic growth and industries attracted a large number of immigrants, and the city became densely populated. In 1929, the city hosted the first of many National Air Races. The growth disrupted by the Wall Street Crash of 1929 and the subsequent Great Depression. The city’s population peaked at almost one million people in 1950.

Here below are some stunning historical photos of Cleveland at the begging of the 20th century capturing streets, roads, cityscapes, and everyday life.

#1 Arcade Building, south face, Euclid Avenue, Cleveland circa 1900

Arcade Building, south face, Euclid Avenue, Cleveland circa 1900

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#2 Superior Avenue, Cleveland, 1905

Superior Avenue, Cleveland, 1905

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#3 Colonial Arcade, Cleveland circa 1908

Colonial Arcade, Cleveland circa 1908

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#4 The Arcade, Cleveland, 1901

The Arcade, Cleveland, 1901

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#5 Superior Avenue viaduct over the Cuyahoga River, Cleveland, Ohio, circa 1910

Superior Avenue viaduct over the Cuyahoga River, Cleveland, Ohio, circa 1910

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#6 Rockefeller Building, Sixth Street and Superior Avenue, Cleveland circa 1905

Rockefeller Building, Sixth Street and Superior Avenue, Cleveland circa 1905

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#7 The Hollenden, Cleveland, 1900

The Hollenden, Cleveland, 1900

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#8 Soldiers and Sailors Monument, Cleveland, Ohio, 1900

Soldiers and Sailors Monument, Cleveland, Ohio, 1900

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#9 The Arcade Building, Superior Avenue, Cleveland circa 1900

The Arcade Building, Superior Avenue, Cleveland circa 1900

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#10 Public Square, Cleveland, Ohio, circa 1900

Public Square, Cleveland, Ohio, circa 1900

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#11 Cleveland Grays Armory, 1906

Cleveland Grays Armory, 1906

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#12 Hulett clamshell hoists, Cleveland, Ohio, 1905

Hulett clamshell hoists, Cleveland, Ohio, 1905

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#13 Lift Bridge, Cuyahoga River, Cleveland circa 1910

Lift Bridge, Cuyahoga River, Cleveland circa 1910

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#14 University Circle, Cleveland, 1908

University Circle, Cleveland, 1908

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#15 Colonial Hotel, Prospect Avenue, Cleveland circa 1900

Colonial Hotel, Prospect Avenue, Cleveland circa 1900

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#16 Shoot-the-Chutes ride at Luna Park, Cleveland 1905

Shoot-the-Chutes ride at Luna Park, Cleveland 1905

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#17 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, 1905

Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, 1905

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#18 Central Furnace Works, Cleveland circa 1908

Central Furnace Works, Cleveland circa 1908

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#19 Ball grounds, League Park, , Cleveland circa 1908

Ball grounds, League Park, , Cleveland circa 1908

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#20 City Square, Cleveland circa 1900

City Square, Cleveland circa 1900

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#21 League Park, Cleveland, 1910

League Park, Cleveland, 1910

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#22 Lift bridge and Superior Street viaduct, Cuyahoga River, Cleveland circa 1910

Lift bridge and Superior Street viaduct, Cuyahoga River, Cleveland circa 1910

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#23 Cuyahoga River from the Viaduct, Cleveland, Ohio, circa 1905

Cuyahoga River from the Viaduct, Cleveland, Ohio, circa 1905

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#24 Euclid Beach, Cleveland, Ohio, circa 1905

Euclid Beach, Cleveland, Ohio, circa 1905

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#25 Freighter Midland King, Cleveland, 1910

Freighter Midland King, Cleveland, 1910

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#26 Gordon Park bathing pavilion, Cleveland, Ohio, 1908

Gordon Park bathing pavilion, Cleveland, Ohio, 1908

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#27 Perry-Payne Building, Superior Avenue, Cleveland circa 1900

Perry-Payne Building, Superior Avenue, Cleveland circa 1900

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#28 Rockefeller Building and Superior Avenue, Cleveland circa 1910

Rockefeller Building and Superior Avenue, Cleveland circa 1910

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#29 Colonial Hotel, Cleveland, 1900

Colonial Hotel, Cleveland, 1900

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#30 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, 1905

Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, 1905

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#31 Roller coaster at Euclid Beach, Cleveland circa 1908

Roller coaster at Euclid Beach, Cleveland circa 1908

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#32 Armory of the Ohio National Guard, Cleveland circa 1901

Armory of the Ohio National Guard, Cleveland circa 1901

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#33 The beach at Gordon Park, Cleveland, 1908

The beach at Gordon Park, Cleveland, 1908

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#34 Public Square, Lyceum Theatre and Old Stone Church in background, Cleveland circa 1905

Public Square, Lyceum Theatre and Old Stone Church in background, Cleveland circa 1905

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#35 North Star at Henkel’s elevator, Cleveland circa 1905

North Star at Henkel's elevator, Cleveland circa 1905

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#36 Colonial Arcade, Cleveland, 1900

Colonial Arcade, Cleveland, 1900

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#37 City Hall, Cleveland, 1905

City Hall, Cleveland, 1905

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#38 Chateau-Alfonse and Old Shoe, Luna Park, Cleveland, Ohio, circa 1905

Chateau-Alfonse and Old Shoe, Luna Park, Cleveland, Ohio, circa 1905

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#39 Central Armory, Ohio National Guard, Cleveland, 1905

Central Armory, Ohio National Guard, Cleveland, 1905

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#40 Union League Club building, Cleveland, 1905

Union League Club building, Cleveland, 1905

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#41 Brown electric hoist unloading freighter Constitution at Cleveland, 1910

Brown electric hoist unloading freighter Constitution at Cleveland, 1910

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#42 Williamson Building, Cleveland, 1905

Williamson Building, Cleveland, 1905

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#43 Williamson Building, Euclid Avenue, Cleveland circa 1900

Williamson Building, Euclid Avenue, Cleveland circa 1900

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#44 Freighter W.W. Brown taking on coal, Cleveland circa 1910

Freighter W.W. Brown taking on coal, Cleveland circa 1910

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#45 The beach and pavilion at Gordon Park, Lake Erie, Cleveland, 1908

The beach and pavilion at Gordon Park, Lake Erie, Cleveland, 1908

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#46 Epworth Memorial Church, Cleveland circa 1900

Epworth Memorial Church, Cleveland circa 1900

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#47 Citizens Savings and Trust Company building, Cleveland circa 1905

Citizens Savings and Trust Company building, Cleveland circa 1905

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#48 Brown hoist machines, Cleveland circa 1910

Brown hoist machines, Cleveland circa 1910

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#49 Rotary coal car unloader, Cleveland circa 1910

Rotary coal car unloader, Cleveland circa 1910

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#50 Colonial Hotel, Cleveland, 1900

Colonial Hotel, Cleveland, 1900

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#51 New England Building, Euclid Avenue, Cleveland circa 1908

New England Building, Euclid Avenue, Cleveland circa 1908

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#52 Bathing scene, Gordon Park, Cleveland, Ohio, circa 1908

Bathing scene, Gordon Park, Cleveland, Ohio, circa 1908

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#53 Hotel Hollenden, Cleveland, 1900

Hotel Hollenden, Cleveland, 1900

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#54 Lake Erie, Cleveland circa 1901

Cleveland historical photos 1900s

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#55 Cleveland & Pittsburgh ore docks, Cleveland circa 1906

Cleveland & Pittsburgh ore docks, Cleveland circa 1906

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#56 Freighters Chili & Wm. Castle Rhodes at Cleveland, 1905

Freighters Chili & Wm. Castle Rhodes at Cleveland, 1905

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#57 Drive leading to Ambler’s Heights, Cleveland circa 1907

Drive leading to Ambler's Heights, Cleveland circa 1907

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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#58 An industrial scene from the early 1900s

An industrial scene from the early 1900s

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Stunning Historical Photos of Cleveland, Ohio At The Beginning Of The 20th Century

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Written by Aung Budhh

Husband + Father + librarian + Poet + Traveler + Proud Buddhist. I love you with the breath, the smiles and the tears of all my life.

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13 Comments

  1. I really enjoy looking at these vintage photos of the city. It’s interesting to consider the idea that cities like Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Cincinnati may not necessarily need skyscrapers or even a centralized downtown area. It seems that in the past, businesses were more spread out throughout the city, leading to more densely populated neighborhoods. This model of urban planning was likely influenced by factors such as pre-white flight and the rise of automobiles and interstates in the latter half of the 20th century. Today, many people who work for major companies are forced to travel long distances and deal with heavy traffic congestion just to work in a centralized downtown location for a few hours each day, which can be quite challenging and frustrating.

    • At one point, Cleveland was a highly dense city with numerous buildings and homes lining every street. In my opinion, skyscrapers can sometimes be imposing and not very comforting for people when viewed from street level. It’s unfortunate that many beautiful old buildings were demolished in the 80s and 90s to make room for modern skyscrapers. It’s sad to compare pictures of Public Square from the early 1900s to what it looks like now. The area used to be densely populated and full of activity, but it has lost much of that charm over time.

    • Yes, of course. The Cleveland rail beds have an abandoned line that runs from Gordon square to Ohio city (along Monroe rd. parallel to the rapid line) to terminal tower. Isn’t that a great idea for a park/bike trail? I’ve heard proposals for that sort of thing once. I don’t know what happened.

    • Isn’t it inspiring too? Cleveland is on the up-and-up right now, based on your premise. Let’s keep up the momentum and create a city to be proud of. Cleveland’s current state is already a source of pride for many people. Imagine having that pride coupled with some real vibrancy, which is certainly burgeoning in my experience.

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