In addition to its iconic skyline and famous chili, Cincinnati has many lesser-known wonders waiting to be discovered. From being known as the birthplace of professional baseball to unique architectural gems like the Careuta Tower, the “Queen City” is filled with fascinating history and charm. Whether you’re moving into a new Cincinnati apartment, looking for homes for sale, or want to learn more, this Redfin article will reveal some interesting facts about Cincinnati that are sure to intrigue and delight you.
Basic information about Cincinnati
| Median home sales price | $225,000 |
| average monthly rent | $1,149 |
| walk score | 98/100 |
| traffic score | 80/100 |
| bike score | 60/100 |
1. Home to the second oldest zoo in the United States
The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is the second oldest zoo in the United States, opening in 1875. It is also home to the famous hippopotamus Fiona, who became an internet celebrity after her miraculous survival after being born prematurely. This fun fact about Cincinnati highlights the city’s dedication to wildlife conservation and its adorable animal ambassadors.
2. The Roebling Suspension Bridge is the prototype of the Brooklyn Bridge
Cincinnati is home to the Roebling Suspension Bridge, the prototype for New York City’s Brooklyn Bridge. The longest suspension bridge in the world when it opened in 1866, the bridge is a stunning example of engineering and architectural prowess.
3. Home to Big Joe, the largest swinging clock ever cast in the United States
The Big Joe is the largest swing bell ever cast in the United States and is located at St. Francis de Sales Church in the East Walnut Hills neighborhood. Big Joe weighs an impressive 30,000 pounds and only rings a bell. Big Joe is a testament to Cincinnati’s heritage and historic architecture.
4. The city’s lizards were brought from Italy
Legend has it that a little boy brought the lizards home during a family vacation in Cincinnati, Italy, where they eventually thrived and became known as the “Lazarus Lizard.” Named after Lazarus, who is said to have introduced them to the city, these Mediterranean geckos have become a common sight in Cincinnati’s urban environment, delighting locals and visitors alike. Be happy that they exist.
5. Steven Spielberg was born here
Steven Spielberg, the legendary filmmaker behind iconic films such as “Jaws,” “E.T.” and “Jurassic Park,” was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. Although Spielberg spent much of his childhood in New Jersey and Arizona, Spielberg’s birthplace in Queens City remains an important part of his personal history.
6. The Mercantile Library has an unbreakable 10,000-year lease
The Commercial Library is a historic Cincinnati institution with a unique reputation due to its unbreakable ten thousand year lease on space. This extraordinary lease agreement, signed in the mid-19th century, ensured the library’s continuity for thousands of years to come.
7. Cincinnati Baseball was the first professional baseball club
Cincinnati Base was founded in 1869 and is known as the first professional baseball club in history. This groundbreaking team laid the foundation for the modern Major League Baseball as we know it today and marked a pivotal moment in the development of the game.
