Cleveland and Northeast Ohio, in general, was once part of the Connecticut Western Reserve. Originally surveyed by Moses Cleaveland, of the Connecticut Land Company, Cleveland was founded in 1796.
After the opening of the Ohio and Erie Canal in 1832, there was rapid population growth. The early settlers were primarily from New England, predominantly Connecticut, and were later followed by the Yankee exodus from New York and Pennsylvania. Jobs were abundant due to the industrialization and city infrastructure growth. This growth lead to Cleveland becoming the sixth most populous city in the United States. The migration included over 60 ethnic groups representing many religious groups. They created distinct neighborhoods such as Little Italy and the area known today as Slavic Village. While demographics have shifted over the decades, our history has led to the rich cultural diversity we know today.
Every neighborhood has a history. Every family has unique stories about how they came to be here.
We are here to help you learn more about the people and places that make up your family’s history in Northeast Ohio.
Map of Cleveland Neighborhoods
