Introduction
The city of Cincinnati was initially founded by John Cleves Symmes in the late eighteenth century. It was originally named, “Losantiville,’ which was an amalgamation of four other names: “Ville,” denoting it a city; “anti,” from the Greek meaning, ‘opposing;” “os”, Latin for “mouth;” and “L” because the new city had the honour of being located from across the Licking River.
However, the fledgling town would have its name changed to Cincinnati, in 1790, after Arthur St. Clair decided that it should be renamed in honour of the the Society of the Cincinnati, an organisation of which he was president. The Society was founded to champion the cause of Cincinnatus, a Roman general who is known for his military victories. In an interesting cultural twist, the Society honoured General George Washington, who, like the Cincinnatus, fought a military victory, and then retired to his farm. To this day, the area surrounding Cincinnati is home to a large number of descendants from the War of Independance, who were granted land in the state because of the Society.
In the early ninteenth century, Cincinatti became a village and was incorporated as a city almost twenty years later. It grew exponentially, after the development and introduction of the steam technology on the Ohio River in 1811 and the opening of the Miami and Erie Canal. The city’s population reached almost 120,000 people during this time. It was also during this period that the city earned the nickname, “Porkopolis,” which referred to the Cincinnati’s role as the country’s main meat packing center. Cincinnati would earn its place in history as an important stop on the Underground Railroad, which helped African-American slaves escape bondage in the southern states. It was also the first American city to open a Jewish hospital and was also the site of the first municipal fire department.
The city developed its own railroad in the late nineteenth century, which would prove to be an important link between the east and west coasts, and it was also the first to host the world’s first professional baseball team, the Cincinnati Red Stockings, which would later be known simply as the Cincinnati Reds. Continuing its reputation as a city of firsts, Cincinnati was also the site of the first steel reinforced skyscraper, the Ingalls Building.
Constructed in 1903, it stands sixteen stories high and was built by the the architectural firm, Elzner & Anderson. When the project was initally proposed, it was met with great scepticism. Critics argued that the building would collapse under its own weight, or during bad weather. It is reported that on the day when the supports were taken down when construction was completed, one reporter stayed awake all night, so that he could be able to report first hand on the building’s collapse.
The city of Cincinnati was also the site of the first AM radio transmission, as well as the home of the city’s first television station. Cincinnati’s place in media history was secured when Cincinatti Soap sponsored “The Edge of Night,” a soap opera which featured the city as the fictional Monticello.
Cincinnati’s long and colourful history is complemented by its beautiful landscaping. It is known for its extensive network of parks, as well as its stunning river setting. It served as a ‘riverboat’ city, along with Louisville, and St. Louis. Winston Churchill is quoted as having called it the ‘most beautiful of America’s inland cities.”
Fast Facts
- Population: 317,361 people
- 166,012 households and the median income for a household in the city is $29,493, and the median income for a family is $37,543
- Average temperatures: January 39F/22F; July 87F/66F
- Average precipitation is between 2.87 and 4.16 inches