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22
We Bet You Didn't Know These Things About Cincinnati
You probably know Cincinnati is Ohio's largest metropolitan area, the setting for classic sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati and home to the second oldest zoo in the country. Originally settled in 1788, Cincinnati has a long and rich history yielding a number of fascinating stories.
Here are 11 fun facts to know and tell about Cincinnati. Which ones are new to you?
The Cincinnati Reds Were the First Professional Baseball Team
100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202
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Cincinnati has an honored place in major league baseball history as home of the first all-professional team, the Red Stockings, better known as the Reds. Their first game took place on May 4, 1869, a 45-9 blowout win against the Great Westerns, also based in Cincinnati. The Reds have made it to the World Series nine times and emerged victorious five times, most notably with back-to-back wins in 1975 and 1976 during the heyday of the "Big Red Machine."
Empress Chili Served the First Cincinnati Chili
7934 Alexandria Pike, Alexandria, KY 41001
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Skyline and Gold Star may be more well-known names today, but Cincinnati's iconic version of chili originated at Empress Chili. Brothers Tom and John Kiradjieff, immigrants from Macedonia, started selling their uniquely seasoned meat sauce in 1922. Cincinnati chili can be enjoyed in a bowl, on a bed of spaghetti or atop a hot dog, with your choice of onions, beef or cheese. While there are now more than 150 chili spots around the city, Empress Chili remains "the first edition of a Cincinnati tradition."
Zinzinnati Is the Largest Oktoberfest Celebration in the United States
Third St. and Elm St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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More than 25 percent of Cincinnati residents share a German heritage, which they proudly celebrate each September at Zinzinnati. More than half a million people attend this three-day event, making it the largest Oktoberfest celebration in the country. Approximately 80,000 bratwurst, 25,000 potato pancakes, and 23,000 soft pretzels are consumed while guests enjoy live musical entertainment, a wiener dog race, and the world's largest chicken dance. Every year, the mayor of Munich issues an official decree pronouncing Zinzinnati as the largest Oktoberfest celebration outside of Germany. Zinzinnati 2020 is scheduled for September 20-22.
Cincinnati Was Originally Named "Losantiville"
At its founding in 1788, the settlement was named Losantiville by John Filson, the original surveyor. "Losantiville" is a hybrid of terms from four different languages meaning, "the city opposite the mouth of the (Licking) river." Two years later Arthur St. Clair, governor of the Northwest Territory, decided he didn't care for the name. He changed it to Cincinnati as a tribute to the Society of the Cincinnati, a group of Revolutionary War veterans which included St. Clair. The Society took its name from legendary Roman statesman Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus.
Findlay Market Is the Oldest Continuously Operated Public Market in Ohio
1801 Race St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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More than 100 years ago, there were nine public markets located around Cincinnati. Findlay Market is the only one still standing today. The market is named after General James Findlay and his wife Jane, whose estate donated the land on which it's built. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, Findlay Market welcomes upwards of one million visitors annually. More than 40 vendors make up the year-round open market, and they're joined by dozens more in the outdoor farmers market running weekends from April through November. Hours are 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday.
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park Is the Only Two-Time Tony Winner Outside NYC
962 Mt. Adams Circle, Cincinnati, OH 45202
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Since 1959, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park has been producing first-rate professional theater from its scenic hilltop location. Actors who have graced its stage include notable names such as Patty Duke, Anthony Perkins, Lynn Redgrave, Cicely Tyson, and Sam Waterston. In 2004, Playhouse was recognized with a Tony Award for Best Regional Theater. That accolade was followed up three years later with a second Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical for the production of Company.
Cincinnati Is the Hometown of America's Most Beloved Movie Director
Before he reached the age of 30, Steven Spielberg revolutionized the film industry and ushered in the summer blockbuster with Jaws. His Hollywood career has been full of commercial and critical success, but few people know that Spielberg's roots are in Cincinnati. The Spielberg family came to the city in the 1900s when Steven's paternal grandparents emigrated from Ukraine, and he was born in Cincinnati on December 18, 1946.
Cincinnati Has the Nation's Largest Unused Subway System
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Underneath the streets of Cincinnati sits a network of incomplete tunnels just over two miles long. Construction on the framework of the Cincinnati Subway began in the early 1900s. Intended to upgrade the city's streetcar system, the subway project fell victim to spiraling costs and political in-fighting. Activity was indefinitely canceled in 1928, and the project has remained abandoned.
Metro Cincinnati's Vent Haven Is the World's Only Ventriloquism Museum
33 W. Maple Ave., Fort Mitchell, KY 41011
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High on the list of offbeat attractions is Vent Haven Museum, dedicated to showcasing the art of ventriloquism. The museum was founded by a man with the equally quirky name of William Shakespeare Berger, affectionately known as W.S. Berger was a self-made success in business, literally working his way from the mailroom to president of the Cambridge Tile Company, but he was fascinated by ventriloquism. After serving as president of the International Brotherhood of Ventriloquists for more than 20 years, Vent Haven Museum was created to preserve and share Berger's incredible collection of ventriloquist dummies. Tours are conducted seven days a week from May through September by appointment only.
The Town Crier Tradition Is Alive and Well in Cincinnati
Before the days of electronic and print media, town criers held the responsibility of sharing news throughout a community. While this tradition has all but disappeared, the Cincinnati village of Mariemont maintains one of approximately 14 town criers in the United States. The post is currently held by Dr. Bob Keyes, who "moonlights" as a geriatrician and co-director of the Christ Hospital Health & Aging Center. Keyes' duties include opening town meetings and leading the Memorial Day parade.
The Cincinnati Fire Department Was the First Professional Firefighting Unit in the Country
315 W. Court St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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In 1853, Cincinnati led the way for the country by establishing the first professional fire department. The Cincinnati Fire Museum documents the history of firefighting in Cincinnati with exhibits, events, and interactive displays. Their innovative fire safety education program simulates an actual fire event in a home while staff members identify risks and demonstrate ways to protect yourself. Museum hours are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is $8 for adults and $6 for kids aged 7-17.
Livin' on the Air in Cincinnati
What's your favorite episode of WKRP in Cincinnati?
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