FOUNDED IN 1812
Our mission of preserving and collecting historical items to promote interest in the city’s histor
Cuyahoga Falls was founded in 1812 by William Wetmore to develop land owned by Judge Joshua Stow of Middletown, Connecticut.
Welcome to the Cuyahoga Falls Historical Society
Since our founding in 1980, the Cuyahoga Falls Historical Society has been dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history of our city. Through the collection and care of historical artifacts, we aim to inspire curiosity and foster a deep appreciation for Cuyahoga Falls’ heritage. Our museum, located at 2083 Cook Street, serves as a vibrant hub for exploration and discovery, offering visitors a chance to connect with the stories that shaped our community.
Historical Facts
Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
Settled in 1812 and was first called “Manchester” by former Western Reserve Inhabitants. As early as 1837, it was the most promising manufacturing center in northern Ohio. In 1840 it had a greater diversity of manufacturing plants than any other Ohio settlement.
Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
Due to the rough water, Native Americans who used the river to travel from the Great Lakes to the Mississippi left the river at the Falls and used what is now Portage Trail to continue their journey south.
The City on the River
Long before Ohio’s colonization, the Cuyahoga River served as a vital resource for Native Americans, providing fishing, hunting, trading, and transportation opportunities. While the exact origin of the name “Cuyahoga” remains uncertain, many believe it comes from the Mohawk word “Cayagaga,” meaning “crooked river,” or a Seneca-derived phrase interpreted as “place of the jawbone.”
Settlers from New England were drawn to the falls for their natural beauty and immense potential. The river’s power spurred the construction of mills, which revolutionized grain production, and later fueled factories producing paper, machinery, and other goods. Today, Cuyahoga Falls remains a hub for entrepreneurship, art, recreation, and innovation, with the river and falls continuing to shape the city’s rich and evolving history. We invite you to explore our historic downtown and discover its enduring charm!
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