Moses Cleaveland was a key figure in the Connecticut Land Company, which played a significant role in the development of the Western Reserve in northeastern Ohio. As a director of the company, Cleaveland was instrumental in surveying and establishing settlements in the region. This article explores Cleaveland's involvement with the Connecticut Land Company and the impact of their efforts on the area's growth.
The Connecticut Land Company
The Connecticut Land Company was formed
in 1795 by a group of investors who purchased three million acres of land in the Western Reserve from the state of Connecticut for $1,200,000. The land was initially reserved for Connecticut by Congress and was intended for settlement and development. The company aimed to profit from land sales to settlers and speculators, but faced challenges in attracting buyers due to political uncertainty and mismanagement.
Moses Cleaveland, one of the company's directors, was tasked with leading a survey of the land and negotiating with Native American tribes in the area. His leadership and negotiation skills were crucial in securing the land for settlement and laying the groundwork for future development.
Cleaveland's Surveying Expedition
In June 1796, Cleaveland set out with a party of 50 people, including surveyors, a physician, and several emigrants, to survey the Western Reserve. The journey was challenging, involving travel by land and water, including a portage around Niagara Falls. Despite these difficulties, Cleaveland's expedition successfully reached the mouth of the Cuyahoga River, where he recognized the potential for a new settlement.
Cleaveland's team surveyed the area and divided it into town lots, establishing the settlement of Cleaveland, which would later become the city of Cleveland. His efforts in surveying and negotiating with Native American tribes were instrumental in opening the region for settlement and development.
Impact on the Western Reserve
The Connecticut Land Company's efforts, led by Moses Cleaveland, had a lasting impact on the development of the Western Reserve. Although the company faced challenges in selling the land and eventually went bankrupt, their work laid the foundation for future growth in the region. The city of Cleveland, named in honor of Cleaveland, became a major center for trade and industry in Ohio.
Moses Cleaveland's contributions to the Connecticut Land Company and the development of the Western Reserve are remembered today through monuments and the city's name. His vision and leadership were crucial in shaping the region's early history and setting the stage for its future growth.
