10 Photos That Show How Cleveland's Public Square Has Changed Over The Previous Centuries
By Nikki Rhoades|Published October 19, 2020
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
Public Square in Cleveland is one of the city’s most instantly recognizable landmarks. This central plaza dates back to Moses Cleaveland’s exploration of the city, drawing influence from the layout of early New England towns. The history of Public Square is a fascinating one, and it has changed significantly as Cleveland has evolved. Locals are charmed by it and out-of-towners are amazed by the diversity of the architecture across its two blocks. While local residents may be the city’s soul, this landmark is undoubtedly its heart.
Okay, so this first photo isn't exactly a photograph. However, it does show Public Square as it was originally laid out by the Connecticut Land Company in 1796. Originally, it was a 9.5-acre parcel of land grazed by farm animals of Cleveland's earliest settlers.
The west side of the Metzenbaum U.S. Courthouse faces Public Square. It was erected under the city's 1903 Group Plan, and it was designed by architect Arnold W. Brunner. This stunning structure set the tone for future buildings erected under this plan, including the old Cleveland Public Library building.
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4. Looking southwest upon a snowy Public Square, c. 1916
Fort Huntington Park is now the home of this historic statue from 1860, but it originally was erected in Public Square. Over the years, it has known many homes. Wade Park and Gordon Park were two of the locales that this beauty was relocated to before it finally found a permanent home.
Ever heard of the Cleveland Grays, the private militia that proudly protected the City of Cleveland in its earliest days? Members of this organization and locals alike served in the Spanish American War. Fortunately for both sides, this brief war in 1898 lasted only about three months.
8. A well-dressed crowd on a cool September day, 1940
Who could forget the magic of going Downtown at Christmastime? Higbee's was always a fun place to stop, and it was always fun to see if the store sponsored a tree in Terminal Tower. Believe it or not, this classically Cleveland store opened its doors in 1860. It survived the turmoil of the Great Depression and the rise and fall of suburban stores only to close in 1992, over a century later.
There aren’t many places with the charm of Public Square in Cleveland. What are your favorite memories in this historic place? Share your thoughts in the comments.
