10 fun and interesting Cleveland facts

1. The River That Caught Fire: A Brief History of the Cuyahoga River

The Cuyahoga River, which runs through Cleveland, Ohio, has become infamous for its thirteen separate instances of catching fire. This has earned it the nickname of "The River that Caught Fire," and has become a symbol of the city's industrial history. The first recorded instance of the river catching fire was in 1868, and the most recent was in 1969. The 1969 fire was so severe that it caused over $1 million in damages and spurred the creation of the Clean Water Act.

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2. Cleveland's Interesting Story

Founded in 1796 by General Moses Cleaveland, the city of Cleveland has an interesting story behind its name. According to legend, the city was originally named after the General, but when the local newspaper discovered the name was one character too long for its masthead, it was shortened to "Cleveland". This is how the city got its current name, which has been used ever since.

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3. 701 Rock and Roll Hall of Famers

Since its founding in 1983, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland has inducted an impressive 701 people. This iconic institution celebrates the achievements of some of the most influential musicians, producers, and other music industry professionals, recognizing their contributions to the genre of rock and roll. From the earliest pioneers of the genre to the most recent inductees, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a testament to the lasting impact of rock and roll on the world.

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4. Spectacular Feat: Cleveland's Playhouse Square

Cleveland's Playhouse Square Center is an impressive feat of architecture and engineering, boasting the title of the second largest performing arts venue in the United States. With over 10,000 seats, the center is home to a variety of performances, from Broadway shows to concerts and comedy acts. It is also home to the Ohio Theatre, the State Theatre, and the Allen Theatre, all of which have been restored to their original grandeur. The Playhouse Square Center is a must-see for anyone visiting Cleveland, and is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.

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5. "Hang On Sloopy: The Official Song of Cleveland"

Cleveland is a city that knows how to rock, and it's official song, "Hang On Sloopy" by The McCoys, is a testament to that. The song was released in 1965 and quickly became a hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It has since become an anthem for the city, and is played at Cleveland Indians baseball games and other events. It's a classic rock song that captures the spirit of Cleveland and its people.

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6. Jesse Owens: A Cleveland Icon

Jesse Owens, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, made history in the 1936 Berlin Olympics when he won an unprecedented four gold medals. His incredible feat was a source of pride for the city of Cleveland, and his legacy continues to inspire athletes around the world to this day. Owens' success in the Olympics was a major milestone in the civil rights movement, and his accomplishments remain an important part of Cleveland's history.

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7. A Home for the Holidays: The Cleveland House from "A Christmas Story"

The iconic suburban home from the beloved holiday classic "A Christmas Story" was located in Cleveland, Ohio. After the film's release, the house was purchased on eBay and lovingly restored to an exact replica of the house seen in the movie. The renovation included the iconic leg lamp in the window, the red-and-white-striped wallpaper, and the infamous "major award" in the living room. Now, fans of the movie can visit the house and experience the nostalgia of the film in person.

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8. Cleveland's 120-foot Ferris Wheel

Cleveland is home to the world's largest indoor Ferris wheel, standing an impressive 120 feet tall. Built in 1985, this iconic structure has become a symbol of the city, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area. It is a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world to experience the thrill of a ride on the Ferris wheel.

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9. The Birthplace of Superman

Joe Schuster and Jerry Siegel, two Cleveland natives, created the iconic comic hero Superman in their hometown. The two were born in Cleveland and, inspired by the city's culture and people, created the beloved superhero in the 1930s. Superman has since become a global phenomenon, with millions of fans around the world. The city of Cleveland is proud to have been the birthplace of such an iconic character.

10. The World's Largest Rubber Stamp

Willard Park in Cleveland is home to the world's largest rubber stamp, created for the Standard Oil Company. This impressive stamp measures an incredible 8 feet tall and 12 feet wide, and is made of wood and rubber. It was originally used to stamp documents for the Standard Oil Company, and is now a popular tourist attraction in Cleveland.