Moses Cleaveland, an American lawyer, politician, soldier, and surveyor from Connecticut, played a pivotal role in the founding of Cleveland, Ohio. In 1796, while surveying the Connecticut Western Reserve,
Cleaveland established the city that would bear his name. This article delves into the early days of Cleveland's founding, the challenges faced by Cleaveland and his team, and the initial development of the city.
Cleaveland's Journey to Ohio
Moses Cleaveland was born in Canterbury, Connecticut, and pursued a career in law after graduating from Yale College. His involvement in the American Revolution as a brigadier general of the Connecticut militia showcased his leadership skills. In 1796, Cleaveland was approached by the Connecticut Land Company, of which he was a shareholder, to lead a survey of the land in northeastern Ohio, known as the Western Reserve. This land was initially reserved for Connecticut by Congress and was later purchased by the company for $1,200,000.
Cleaveland's expedition set out from Schenectady, New York, in June 1796, with a party of 50 people, including surveyors, a physician, a chaplain, and several emigrants. The journey was arduous, involving travel by land and water, including a portage around Niagara Falls. Despite the challenges, Cleaveland's leadership and determination guided the group to their destination.
Establishing the City of Cleveland
Upon reaching the mouth of the Cuyahoga River on July 22, 1796, Cleaveland recognized the potential of the location for a new city. The site offered strategic advantages, with the river to the west and Lake Erie to the north. Cleaveland and his team surveyed the area and divided it into town lots. In honor of their leader, the settlement was named Cleaveland.
The early days of the settlement were challenging, with only four settlers in the first year. Growth was slow, and by 1820, the population had reached just 150 inhabitants. Despite these initial struggles, Cleaveland's vision laid the foundation for what would become a major city in Ohio.
Legacy of Moses Cleaveland
Moses Cleaveland returned to Connecticut after the 1796 expedition and never visited Ohio again. He passed away in Canterbury, where he is buried. However, his legacy lives on in the city that bears his name. A statue of Cleaveland stands in Cleveland's Public Square, commemorating his contributions to the city's founding.
The settlement of "Cleaveland" eventually became known as "Cleveland," with one theory suggesting that the name was shortened due to a misspelling on an original map. Regardless of the spelling, Moses Cleaveland's impact on the region is undeniable, and his vision for the city continues to be celebrated today.
