This Is What Ohio Looked Like 100 Years Ago…It May Surprise You

Ohio has come a long way since the early 1900s—and its told an interesting story along the way. What were once thriving canal-ways and railroads are now isolated, overlooked canal locks and rusted, hidden railways. The following photos showcase various places in Ohio from 100+ years ago. Observe what’s changed in your hometown and/or current residence.

1. Panorama of Public Square in Cleveland, OH (Circa 1912)

Wikimedia Commons/United States Library of Congress's Prints and Photographs

Buildings, from left to right: Cuyahoga County Courthouse, 1875 (demolished, current site of 55 Public Square); Lyceum Theater (demolished, current site of 75 Public Square); Old Stone Church, 1855; Society for Savings, Burnham & Root, 1889-90; Chamber of Commerce (demolished, current site of Key Tower); Federal Courthouse, Arnold Brunner, 1910; Cuyahoga Building, Burnham & Root, 1893 (demolished, current site of the BP Building); Williamson Building, George B. Post, 1900 (demolished, current site of the BP Building).

2. Ohio Erie Canal in Independence, OH (Circa 1902)

Wikimedia Commons

3. Paint Street in Chillicothe, OH (Circa 1896)

Picturesque Chillicothe and Ross County Ohio: Centennial Year 1896

4. Wooden team boat horse ferry in Chillicothe, OH (Circa 1900)

Inland Riverboats Photograph Collection/Wikimedia Commons

Pictured: Capt. Horace McElfresh and son aboard a wooden ferry boat powered by two horses on treadmills, connected to side paddlewheels.

5. Ariel view of Cincinnati, OH (Circa 1900)

John L. Trout/Wikimedia Commons 

 

 

 

 

For more images and information see:   http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/ohio/oh-100-years-ago/