Cincinnati, Ohio is a Midwestern American City with a rich history. It was once known as the “Queen City of the West.”
It all began when three men bought eight hundred acres on the Ohio River in 1788. The three men were Israel Ludlow, who was a surveyor; Matthias Denman, who was the money partner; and Robert Patterson, who was the “salesman”—he recruited settlers. They named it “Losantiville.”
What’s In a Name?
The town didn’t really begin to expand until a fort was built there to protect the settlers. It was called Fort Washington and became home to about 300 soldiers. The area became Hamilton County and Losantiville was the county seat. The governor of the territory, General Arthur St. Clair, changed the name to Cincinnati, which was the name of an association of Revolutionary War officers he belonged to.
The City of Cincinnati had many conflicts with the Shawnee Indians. There was an especially bloody battle with these Native Americans in 1791 that drove many settlers away. But because Cincinnati was on the Ohio River, the city thrived on the trade with settlers passing through on their way to the West, with goods and supplies easily transported in and out of the city on the river.
The Melting Pot
Cincinnati’s history reflects the “melting pot” metaphor that is America. The city was a hub for the abolitionist movement. Many infamous race riots took place in Cincinnati. One of the first Jewish synagogues in America was built on Plum Street; the Isaac M. Wise Temple, now a historical landmark.
In the mid 1800’s, the Cincinnati Fire Department used the very first steam-powered fire engines in the world! CFD is credited with another unique invention, the firemen’s pole. The CFD also had the first paid, around-the-clock firefighting force in the country.
Staying, Eating, Drinking…Then and Now
Hotels, taverns and restaurants sprang up by the hundreds to meet the demands of the growing population. Even today, many of these historical establishments remain. One of the oldest restaurants in Cincinnati is the Golden Lamb, built in 1803. Charles Dickens and Mark Twain stayed here. Arnold’s Bar and Grill is another piece of city history, opened in 1861 at 210 East 8th Street. Before it was a restaurant, it was a barbershop and a feed store. The building is nearly 200 years old.
To this day, the city of Cincinnati has some of America’s oldest and best bed and breakfast inns, taverns and restaurants. Cincinnati is still the “Queen City of the West” when it comes to culture and cuisine.
If you are interested in discovering one of the best restaurants in Cincinnati, visit Tony’s of Cincinnati at http://www.tonysofcincinnati.com or by phone, (513) 677-1993.
