Cincy Region for American History Lovers

Experience American and Cincy Region history through unique tours, attractions, cultural events, and museums. We're a region of firsts and our storied history and diverse heritage made the Cincy Region what it is today. Come explore the past and celebrate Cincy culture with us!

American History in Cincy

The Cincy Region is the ancestral lands of several Indigenous Nations that have shaped the region, and their traditions, languages, and cultural practices continue to enrich the area. Sites like Story Mound in Cincinnati, an undisturbed mound believed to be a burial site, and Fort Ancient which is believed to have been a gathering place for ceremonial purposes, provide insight and wisdom of the past.

A museum exhibit showcasing people made up of modular photos. A timeline runs in the background. — National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

The Cincy Region is intersected by the Ohio River, which during the time of the American Revolution divided the northern free states from the southern slave states. Because of this, the region was influential in the abolitionist movement. The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center takes visitors on an informative journey. The Harriet Beecher Stowe House is a historic home that the antislavery author once lived in and is now a museum.

The Tri-State Warbird Museum is dedicated to honoring America’s aviation history, particularly during World War II and the restoration of historic aircraft. The Tri-State Warbird Museum also features several historic vehicles and World War II exhibits.

Regional History

Did you know that Cincy Region had the first professional baseball team and the first paid, professional firefighter department? How about that Newport was the original city of illegal gambling, bootleggers, and the mob before Las Vegas? Dig into this history of firsts at museums like the Reds Hall of Fame & Museum or the Cincinnati Fire Museum. Walk in the footsteps of the past with a American Legacy Newport Gangster Tour.

Cincinnati is also known as the birthplace of American astronomy. The Cincinnati Observatory was the first public observatory in the Western Hemisphere and is home to the oldest working telescope in the world.

Behringer-Crawford and the Dinsmore Homestead are other examples of regional history. The Dinsmore Homestead is a historic home and museum that shows 180 years of history through artifacts, books, antiques and more. Behringer-Crawford Museum is another historic home turned museum featuring a regional focus on cultural history, archaeology, and industry.

Exterior showing the entrance of the Cincinnati Observatory. A red brick building with a large dome. A brick pathway leads to the front. — Cincinnati Observatory

A recreation of a riverboat on a blue floor to represent the Ohio River. A model of the Roebling Bridge sits to the left. — Behringer-Crawford Museum

Architectural History

Cincy Region has a wealth of architectural history to uncover. The Over-the-Rhine (OTR) neighborhood is among the largest, most intact urban historic districts in the United States with possibly the largest collection of Italianate buildings in the US. Covington and Newport also contain an impressive collection of Italianate architecture. Cincy is also home to many shining examples of Art Deco such as Krohn Conservatory, the stately Hilton Netherland Plaza, and Dixie Terminal with its soaring barrel-vaulted ceiling. Our most well-known example would be Union Terminal which houses the Cincinnati Museum Center and was the inspiration for the Hall of Justice in DC Comics.

The Isaac M. Wise Temple, named for the Rabbi that started leading the congregation in 1853 and was the founder of the American Reform Movement, is one of the oldest synagogues in the United States. You might notice architectural similarities between the temple and the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, a Roman Catholic Church in Covington modeled after Notre Dame. Additionally, the person hired to decorate the interior of the Isaac M. Wise Temple was decorating Mother of God, another Catholic Church in Covington, at the same time. Both buildings feature stunning interiors with soaring ceilings, domes, and luminous stained-glass windows.

Plum Street Temple (photo: Isaac M. Wise Temple) — Isaac M. Wise Temple

Mother of God Church exterior — Mother of God Church

Pop Culture

History in Cincy means more than historic buildings! From a museum dedicated to the history of sign making to the only museum dedicated to ventriloquism - Cincy has it!

Food

What do Frank’s RedHot, Slush Puppies, and McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish have in common? They were all created in the Cincy Region! Taste history when you sample opera creams made from a local confectionary, also invented here in Cincy. Visit one of our more than 250 chili parlors and get a taste of our unique regional offering, Cincinnati Style Chili.

Findlay Market is Ohio’s oldest continuously operated public market, since 1855. A foodie’s delight, the market is full of farmers, producers, artisans, and restaurants. Take a tour and immerse yourself in this uniquely Cincy experience.

Bathtub sitting outside of Arnold's Bar & Grill — Arnold's Bar and Grill

Arnold’s Bar and Grill is a delicious taste of history as the oldest continuously operating bar in Cincinnati, and one of the oldest in the United States. The stories of paranormal activity, speakeasy bathtub gin, and mob connections are enough to draw in the curious but in case you need more persuasion, Arnold’s comes recommended by the likes of Esquire, Serious Eats, Thrillist, and more.

Movies

Cincy has a long history of movies being filmed in the area, and in fact Movie Maker rated it the 11th best place to live and work if you work in film. Cincy loves movies so much, we are currently a finalist to become the new host of the Sundance Film Festival. Notable movies filmed here include Rain Man, The Bikeriders, Turtles All the Way Down, Carol, and Little Man Tate. Scope out your favorite scene location for a unique photo opportunity.

Bar inside of Pompilios restaurant — Pompilio's Restaurant, a "Rain Man" filming location

Music

If you love music history, then you cannot miss the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame. This interactive, immersive, outdoor experience honors Black musicians, producers, and songwriters from Cincinnati and the lasting contributions they have made on music worldwide. Lighting effects, interactive kiosks, green screen technology that lets you become part of the music are just part of this exciting event. There’s an Interactive Dance Party, and at night the Interactive Dance Party becomes the Nighttime Takeover with music, digital media, and an amazing light show.

With the melding of cultures that the river provided, as well as its unique position where north and south meet, Cincy’s music history is a rich one. Cincinnati was home to King Records, which recorded and produced Appalachian folk, country, jazz, R&B, funk and some of the earliest rock n’ roll made. King Records is credited with being the first racially integrated workplace in Cincinnati and helped to launch the career of James Brown among others.

The Cincinnati Music Festival was originally called the Ohio Valley Jazz Festival when it started in 1962. As it grew, the name changed to reflect the line ups representing R&B, jazz, soul, and hip-hop. Now this three-day festival features the brightest stars along with up-and-coming artists.