Cleveland obtained its name on July 22, 1796 when surveyors of the Connecticut Land Company laid out Connecticut’s Western Reserve into townships and a capital city they named “Cleaveland” after their leader, General Moses Cleaveland. Cleaveland oversaw the plan for what would become the modern downtown area, centered on Public Square, before returning home, never again to visit Ohio.

The first settler in Cleaveland was Lorenzo Carter, who built a cabin on the banks of the Cuyahoga River. The Village of Cleaveland was incorporated on December 23, 1814.

The city’s prime geographic location as transportation hub on the Great Lakes has played an important role in its development as a commercial center.

Cleveland, with a population of over 388,072, serves as a destination point for iron ore shipped from Minnesota, as well as coal transported by rail. Cleveland has continued to prosper with the support of small business.

Clevelanders value small business and really show their support. Just like when John D. Rockefeller founded Standard Oil in Cleveland in 1870, the community welcomed the additional jobs and the boost to the economy. Small business adds jobs and also boost the economy as large companies do..

Many prominent Clevelanders from this era are buried in the historic Lake View Cemetery, including President James A. Garfield, and John D. Rockefeller.

Following World War II, the city experienced a prosperous economy. In sports, the Indians won the 1948 World Series and the Browns dominated professional football in the 1950s. Businesses proclaimed that Cleveland was the “best location in the nation”. Support for development can be seen in the Great Lakes Science Center, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Burke Lakefront Airport.

Clevelanders have continued the tradition. “The Rock ‘n’ Roll Capital of the World” continues to spread a lot of goodwill to local business. The inviting people in metro Cleveland always welcomes visitors with open arms.

The local business owners add to the warmth by helping to put funds back into the economy. The merchants want you to recapture some of your wealth by saving you money on goods, services and meals. Many of them have connected with these merchants to bring you discounts and deals that you can access on your mobile phones.

We encourage you to continue to show your support for small business and the local merchants as local residents and visitors. Connect with them right here.