Cleveland, like much of the east coast, is steeped with history. While wandering the friendly streets of the CLE, be sure to check out these historic sites and landmarks in Cleveland.
A 1932 statue of Abe Lincoln ws created by Cleveland sculptor Max Kalish. The statue stands in a plaza behind the Cleveland Board of Education Building and faces the Peace Memorial Fountain on the Mall. The statue was a gift of The School Children of Greater Cleveland in 1932.
Abe Lincoln did have some presence in Cleveland, especially once he passed. His body was sent to various cities in America and a memorial service was held for him in the Public Square's Old Stone Church. What is fascinating about the church is that it is the oldest building in Public Square, and second oldest church built in the city limits. The first church meeting began on the plotted land in June 1819, and in 1820 began a congregation.
Public Square is probably the most prominent spot in downtown Cleveland. It's where the city began with its original plats overseen from Grover Cleveland and still today, remains an integral part of Cleveland's gathering spaces and historical landmarks. Public Square was once surrounded by log cabins, but today sits between Cleveland's three highest buildings: Terminal Tower, Key Tower and 200 Public Square.
The sculpture that sits inside the Fountain of Eternal Youth represents a man holding up a flame, rising above the flames of war, which is symbolic to an enlightened state of being. The sculpture was dedicated on May 30, 1964 and is inside of the Veterans' Memorial Plaza dedicating homage to local veterans.
Public Square also features the Cuyahoga County Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument is a major Civil War monument that honors more than nine thousand Cuyahoga residents who served in the Union during that time. The monument was designed by architect and Civil War Veteran, Levi Scofield. Visitors can go inside the Monument to view the names of the soldiers who served engraved on marble. There are also four bronze relief sculptures depicting the Soldiers' Aid Society, Emancipation of the Slaves, Beginning of the War in Ohio and the End of the War.
This ornate monument was created by architect George Keller and dedicated on Memorial Day in 1890. Constructed with Berea sandstone, it stands 180 feet tall and features give terra-cotta panels with 110 figures etched in depicting Garfield's life and death. Inside one can view The former President's and First Lady's casket draped with an American flag. Visitors can walk up the 64 stairs from the lobby to the outdoor balcony which showcases up to 40 miles of Lake Erie shoreline.
This 35-ton sculpture is the largest rubber stamp in the world. Located in Cleveland's Willard Park, the aluminum and steel structure is 49 feet long, 28 feet high and weighs 70,000 pounds. Created by Claes Oldenburg (1929-) and Coosje van Bruggen (1942-2009), this stamp's story is quit controversial and commissioned by the Amoco Company in 1982. The stamp was built and on display in 1985, but not withoutissues concerning BP.
For one of the best photo ops in The Land, be sure to visit one of several Cleveland Script Signs. It's definitely a social media selfie spot, but still fun to see with the backdrops being different at all locations.
The Tremont neighborhood has the actual city in the backdrop as well as the Innerbelt and Shoreway bridges. Address: 1502 Abbey Ave., Cleveland, 44113
The Edgewater Park sign features a backdrop of the west side view of the city as well as the beautiful Lake Erie. It is a perfect sunrise location! Address: 6500 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway, Cleveland, 44102
The Northcoast Harbor location is behind the famous Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and sits adjacent to the waterfront. It also features a city view and the perfect sunset spot! Address: East 9th Street Pier, Cleveland, 44114
The Euclid Beach location features a picturesque view of well, Euclid Beach and Lake Erie. Address: 16301 Lakeshore Blvd., Cleveland, 44110
The Foundary location is located on the Flats West Bank, and features a backdrop of the Cuyahoga River.
Address: 1831 Columbus Rd., Cleveland, 44113
What's your favorite monument in Cleveland?
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