DISCOVER THE FASCINATING HISTORY OF CINCINNATI’S RIVERFRONT
DISCOVER THE FASCINATING HISTORY OF CINCINNATI’S RIVERFRONT
In 2010, development of The Banks began the astonishing transformation of our city’s riverfront. Today this jewel of the Queen City is one of the most flourishing in the country. Yet prior to this undertaking, centuries of successes as well as strife paved the way for the amenities we enjoy today. This series of historical reflections takes a look back at the intriguing stories of some of the people, places and events that came…Before The Banks.
Episode 6
THE RIVER’S ROAR
Our beloved Bengals have been integral to the spirit and development of our city since the team was founded in 1969. In actuality, the bond between Cincinnati and football dates back to the late 1800s when the seeds of professional football were first planted. Learn how local events and our earliest football teams would help inspire a young boy from Northern Ohio to become a football legend and eventually bring an NFL team to Cincinnati.
Episode 5
THE SUSPENSION BRIDGE
The John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge is one of the most recognizable icons in the region. When it officially opened on January 1, 1867 it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. But it almost wasn’t built at all and then, after only a few decades, narrowly escaped demolition. Discover the story behind the beautiful bridge at The Banks in the adjacent video.
Episode 4
THE FOUNDATION WALLS
The exposed stone foundations in Smale Riverfront Park are a wonderful reminder of the history of the riverfront. The structures date back to the mid-1800s and hold insightful stories about early Cincinnati. Watch this episode of Before The Banks to discover the unexpected impact these stones still have on our city today.
Episode 3
THE REDS & THE RIVER
The Cincinnati Reds have played an integral part in the history of the riverfront. Their years at Great American Ballpark and Riverfront Stadium have provided unforgettable memories and have shaped our downtown. Discover more about the construction of these venues and what came before them in the adjacent video.
Episode 2
THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DIG
As The Banks development was in its infancy, a team of archaeologists and historians was commissioned to perform investigations of the land along the riverfront. Their painstaking excavations provided a rare glimpse into 19th-century Cincinnati. One particular archaeological dig, where the Race Street steps now meet Mehring Way in front the Andrew J. Brady Music Center, yielded hundreds of artifacts and an interesting story about the city’s residents in the 1800s. Learn more about the archaeological dig in the adjacent video.
Episode 1
THE BLACK BRIGADE
As the Civil War progressed, an attack by the Confederate Army was looming over Cincinnati. To avert a battle along the Ohio River, hundreds of local African American men joined the cause to protect the city. This “Black Brigade” not only helped save our beloved riverfront but most certainly influenced many other black men to join the North’s effort, contributing to their ultimate victory. Learn more about The Black Brigade and the monument at The Banks in the adjacent 4-minute video.
