GREENERPASTURE Free Family History Since 1999
Seasonal stories & historical reading

Flag associated with Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, USA History of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, USA

Journey back in time to Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, USA

Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, USA.

ABOUT THE PLACE

About Cuyahoga Falls

Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, USA - Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, USA - View in the Glen, Cuyahoga Falls, near Akron, Ohio
Cuyahoga, possibly meaning "crooked water," was the name given by the Iroquois Indians to the river. Surveyors mapping the Western Reserve platted the area in 1797, and settlers from Connecticut soon followed. William Wetmore founded the settlement of Manchester on the Cuyahoga River in 1812 and by 1815 had built the first of a series of dams and mills to harness the power of the river’s falls (the scenic Big Falls, for which the city was named, have since been eliminated by a dam constructed in 1912; remaining are the Little Falls, located adjacent to the city’s downtown). Thereafter, waterpowered manufacturing grew rapidly. The town’s name was changed to Cuyahoga Falls in 1828 to avoid confusion with another Manchester in Ohio.
Sourcebritannica.com
Have family roots in Cuyahoga Falls?Add your family to this place
MAP
Use the map to explore this place and its surroundings.
ADVERTISEMENT
VINTAGE CUYAHOGA FALLS

Cuyahoga Falls Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards

Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, USA - View in the Glen, Cuyahoga Falls, near Akron, Ohio
Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, USA
Postcard
Pinterest
View in the Glen, Cuyahoga Falls, near Akron, Ohio
Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, USA - Shooting the Chutes, Silver Lake Park, Cuyahoga Falls, near Akron, Ohio
Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, USA
Postcard
Pinterest
Shooting the Chutes, Silver Lake Park, Cuyahoga Falls, near Akron, Ohio
Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, USA - Water Works Swimming Pool Serving Cuyahoga Falls and Akron, Ohio
Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, USA
Postcard
Pinterest
Water Works Swimming Pool Serving Cuyahoga Falls and Akron, Ohio
Genealogy gifts & optional resources
OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to CUYAHOGA FALLS

Buy it NOW!

I Love OHIO Mug – Cincinnati Chili, Buckeye Candy & Pierogies Coffee Cup

Celebrate the flavors and pride of Ohio with this vibrant ceramic mug! Featuring iconic Ohio treats—Cincinnati chili, Buckeye candy, and pierogies—plus the “I Love Ohio!” slogan, it’s perfect for locals, Ohio enthusiasts, and food lovers alike.

OHIO HERITAGE - "My Ancestors Came From Ohio!" Ceramic Mug

Embrace your Ohio heritage with a dash of humor and a sip of your favorite beverage! Our "My Ancestors Came From Ohio!" Ceramic Mug is perfect for showcasing your Buckeye pride and unique skills. Whether you're a die-hard Buckeye football fan or an expert at navigating the infamous potholes on your way to the next chili cook-off, this mug captures the essence of Ohio living.
LOCAL HISTORY

Discover Cuyahoga Falls: History, News, Travel, and Stories

Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Cuyahoga Falls through the years.

1854 - Cuyahoga Falls
Cuyahoga Falls, a flourishing post-village of Tallmage township. Summit county, Ohio, on the Cuyahoga river, and on the Pennsylvania and Ohio canal, 128 miles N. E. from Columbus. It has a beautiful situation, and contains many elegant buildings. The river here passes through a deep ravine, enclosed by walls of stratified rock near 200 feet high, and presenting a variety of picturesque views. Within a distance of 2 1/ 2 miles there is a fall of more than 200 feet, which affords immense water-power. There is an abundance of coal in the vicinity. It contains 1 bank, 1 academy, 2 paper mills, 1 manufactory of steam engines, 1 of hayforks and hoes, and 2 furnaces. The Akron branch of the Cleveland and Pittsburg railroad connects it with that line at Hudson.
1895 - Cuyahoga Falls
Cuyahoga Falls, a post-village of Summit co, 0, is finely situated on the Cuyahoga River, 6 miles by rail N.E. of Akron, and 34 miles S.S.E. of Cleveland. It has 5 churches, a national bank, a flouring-mill, a tannery, a rolling-mill, a paper-mill, a paper-bag factory, 2 wagon-works, rivet-works, 2 machine shops, a union school-house which cost $40,000, steel- and wood-pulley works, lumber yards, and manufactures of tiles, sewer-pipe, brick, sash, ?. One weekly newspaper is published here. Pop. in 1880,2294; in 1890, 2614.
1916
Cuyahoga Falls, a banking post-village of Summit co., Ohio, is finely situated on the Cuyahoga River, 5 miles NE. of Akron and 34 miles SSE. of Cleveland. It is on the Pittsburg and Western and the Cleveland, Akron and Columbus Rs. It has flouring, rolling- and paper-mills, rivet-works, machine-shops, and manufactures of tiles, sewer-pipe, wire, wire fence, and wire nails. Pop. in 1890, 2614 ; in 1900, 3186.
1940 - HUMAN ELEMENT BLAMED FOR RAILROAD WRECK; FORTY-THREE KILLED IN CRASH WEDNESDAY NIGHT. RIDERS IN COACH ALL MET DEATH.
No One Escaped from Flames After "Doodle-Bug" Crashed Into On-Coming Freight Train.

Cuyahoga Falls, O., Aug. 1 (U.P.) - The head-on collision of a freight train and a self-propelled passenger car here last evening, which took the lives of 43 passengers, was attributed today to the failure of one of the train crews to go on a siding.

E. W. SMITH, vice-president of the Pennsylvania railroad, said at Pittsburgh that the crew of a motor-driven passenger coach had specific orders to take a siding to permit a 74-car freight train pulled by two locomotives to pass. It didn't and they collided in the center of this town of 20,000 persons at 6 p. m. yesterday.

Pennsylvania officials had been joined by inspectors of the Interstate Commerce Commission in an effort to establish responsibility. The single-track line branches off from the main line at Hudson, O. and runs to Akron, 15 miles away.

"The crew of the motor car not only disregarded their orders to stop at switch No. 1 at...
Read more
Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Cuyahoga Falls:
Cuyahoga Valley National Park:

Start your exploration with the breathtaking Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Hike or bike along the trails, and don't miss Brandywine Falls for a stunning natural view.

Gorge Metro Park:

A part of the Summit Metro Parks, the Gorge Metro Park is perfect for hiking and picnicking. The Cuyahoga River flows through, offering scenic views and a serene atmosphere.

Blossom Music Center:

If you're a music lover, check out Blossom Music Center. This outdoor amphitheater hosts concerts from various genres, surrounded by picturesque landscapes.

HiHO Brewing Company:

For a taste of local craft beer, HiHO Brewing Company is a popular spot. They often have a rotating selection of beers and a relaxed atmosphere.

Cuyahoga Falls Water Works Family Aquatic Center:

Bring the family to the Water Works for a day of water fun. There are pools, slides, and splash areas for all ages.

Front Street:

Explore Front Street, the historic district of...
Read more
GENEALOGY IN CUYAHOGA FALLS

Discover YOUR Roots: Cuyahoga Falls Ancestry

Explore ancestors connected to Cuyahoga Falls through births, deaths, marriages, cemeteries, and local genealogy resources.

BIRTHS & DEATHS

Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, USA

We currently have information about 4 ancestors who were born or died in Cuyahoga Falls.

View ancestors by year of birth
Updated: 8/19/2024 1:21:58 PM
COMMUNITY

Discussion & Local Contributions

Share corrections, memories, local history, or family connections that may help other researchers.

Back to topSearch this place again