20 Fun Facts About Cincinnati Ohio

Cincinnati, Ohio, is a city with a rich history, vibrant culture, and plenty of unique characteristics that make it stand out. From its iconic architecture to its quirky traditions, Cincinnati has a lot to offer both residents and visitors. Whether you’re a local or someone curious about the Queen City, here are 20 fun facts that showcase the charm and diversity of Cincinnati.

1. Cincinnati Was the First Major American City Founded After the American Revolution

Cincinnati was founded in 1788, making it the first major city established after the United States gained independence. Originally named Losantiville, the settlement was renamed in 1790 by Arthur St. Clair, the governor of the Northwest Territory, who chose the name Cincinnati in honor of the Society of the Cincinnati, an organization of Revolutionary War officers.

2. The City Is Known as the “Queen City”

Cincinnati’s nickname, the “Queen City,” comes from a poem written in 1819 by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The poem, titled “Catawba Wine,” praised Cincinnati as the “Queen of the West,” a title that stuck and is still used to describe the city today.

3. Cincinnati Is Home to the First Professional Baseball Team

The Cincinnati Red Stockings, established in 1869, were the first fully professional baseball team in the United States. The team was the precursor to the modern-day Cincinnati Reds, who continue to be a beloved part of the city’s sports culture.

4. The Roebling Suspension Bridge Was a Precursor to the Brooklyn Bridge

The John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge, which spans the Ohio River between Cincinnati and Covington, Kentucky, was completed in 1867. Designed by John A. Roebling, the bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time and served as a prototype for the more famous Brooklyn Bridge in New York City.

5. Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine Neighborhood Has the Largest Collection of 19th-Century Buildings in the U.S.

The Over-the-Rhine neighborhood in Cincinnati is known for its stunning 19th-century architecture. It is home to the largest collection of Italianate buildings in the United States, many of which have been preserved and restored, contributing to the neighborhood’s historic charm.

6. Cincinnati Is Famous for Its Unique Chili

Cincinnati-style chili is a regional specialty that’s quite different from the traditional chili found in other parts of the country. Made with a unique blend of Mediterranean spices, Cincinnati chili is typically served over spaghetti and topped with shredded cheddar cheese. Skyline Chili and Gold Star Chili are two of the city’s most famous chili parlors.

7. The City Hosts the Largest Oktoberfest in the United States

Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, held annually in downtown Cincinnati, is the largest Oktoberfest celebration in the United States. The event attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, who come to enjoy traditional German food, beer, music, and festivities, including the famous “Running of the Wieners” dachshund race.

8. Cincinnati’s Fountain Square Is the Heart of Downtown

Fountain Square, located in the center of downtown Cincinnati, is a popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike. The square is home to the iconic Tyler Davidson Fountain, a symbol of the city, and hosts numerous events, concerts, and festivals throughout the year.

9. The Cincinnati Zoo Is the Second Oldest Zoo in the United States

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, which opened in 1875, is the second oldest zoo in the United States. It is known for its conservation efforts and is home to a wide variety of animals, including the famous Fiona the hippo, who became a social media sensation after being born prematurely in 2017.

10. Cincinnati Has a Strong Brewing Tradition

Cincinnati’s brewing history dates back to the 1800s when German immigrants established a thriving beer industry in the city. Today, Cincinnati is experiencing a craft beer renaissance, with numerous breweries offering a wide range of local brews. The Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, once the center of the city’s brewing industry, is home to several historic breweries and beer gardens.

11. The City Was a Major Stop on the Underground Railroad

Cincinnati played a significant role in the abolitionist movement and was a major stop on the Underground Railroad. The Ohio River, which separates Ohio from Kentucky, a slave state, served as a natural barrier between freedom and slavery. The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, located in downtown Cincinnati, is dedicated to the history of the Underground Railroad and the fight for freedom.

12. The Music Hall Is a National Historic Landmark

Cincinnati’s Music Hall, built in 1878, is a stunning example of Victorian Gothic architecture and is a National Historic Landmark. The hall is home to the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Opera, and other performing arts organizations, and is known for its beautiful design and excellent acoustics.

13. The City’s Art Museum Is One of the Oldest in the Country

The Cincinnati Art Museum, founded in 1881, is one of the oldest art museums in the United States. The museum’s extensive collection includes more than 67,000 works of art spanning 6,000 years, from ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces.

14. The City Is the Birthplace of President William Howard Taft

Cincinnati is the birthplace of William Howard Taft, the 27th President of the United States and the only person to have served as both President and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. The William Howard Taft National Historic Site, located in the city’s Mount Auburn neighborhood, preserves Taft’s boyhood home and offers insights into his life and legacy.

15. Cincinnati Was the First City to Establish a Public Fire Department

In 1853, Cincinnati became the first city in the United States to establish a fully paid, professional fire department. The city’s fire department was also the first to use steam-powered fire engines, revolutionizing firefighting techniques.

16. The City Has a Unique “Flying Pig” Tradition

Cincinnati’s connection to the pork industry earned it the nickname “Porkopolis” in the 19th century. Today, the city embraces its pork-related past with the “Flying Pig” as a whimsical symbol. The Flying Pig Marathon, an annual event held in Cincinnati, is one of the largest marathons in the country and features flying pig mascots and themed events.

17. Cincinnati Is Home to the First Municipally Owned Railway in the U.S.

The Cincinnati Southern Railway, completed in 1880, was the first and only municipally owned interstate railway in the United States. The railway was built to connect Cincinnati with the southern states and remains an important part of the city’s transportation infrastructure.

18. The City Has a Unique Incline District

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Cincinnati was home to several incline railways that transported residents up the city’s steep hills. The Price Hill Incline, which operated until 1943, was one of the most famous. Today, the Price Hill Incline District is a vibrant neighborhood with a mix of historic homes, restaurants, and shops, offering panoramic views of the city.

19. Cincinnati’s Union Terminal Is an Art Deco Masterpiece

Cincinnati’s Union Terminal, an iconic Art Deco train station built in 1933, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city. The terminal, which now houses the Cincinnati Museum Center, features stunning mosaics, grand architectural details, and a domed rotunda that is one of the largest half-dome structures in the world.

20. The City Has Its Own Unique Style of Ice Cream

Graeter’s Ice Cream, founded in Cincinnati in 1870, is famous for its rich, creamy texture and large chunks of chocolate in flavors like Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip. Graeter’s uses a unique French Pot process to make its ice cream, and it remains a beloved local treat with a loyal following.

Conclusion

Cincinnati, Ohio, is a city full of surprises and unique characteristics that make it a special place to live or visit. From its rich history and cultural landmarks to its quirky traditions and culinary delights, Cincinnati offers a diverse and fascinating experience for everyone. Whether you’re exploring the city’s historic neighborhoods, enjoying its famous chili, or learning about its role in American history, Cincinnati is a city that captivates and inspires.