Cincinnati
| Official name | City of Cincinnati |
| Type | City |
| Cincinnati skyline and Ohio River | |
| State | Ohio |
| Country | United States |
| Established | 1788 |
| Population | 310,000 |
| Area (km²) | 206 |
| Time zone | Eastern (EST/EDT) |
| ZIP code(s) | 45201–45299 |
| Area code(s) | 513, 283 |
Cincinnati is a major city in the southwestern corner of Ohio, located on the northern bank of the Ohio River, directly across from Kentucky. Known for its rich architectural heritage, historic baseball culture, and rolling hills, Cincinnati is often described as the first truly “American” city founded after independence.
Overview
- Founded in 1788 and incorporated in 1819
- Known historically as the "Queen City of the West"
- Serves as the economic and cultural hub of the Greater Cincinnati metro area, which includes parts of Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana
Landmarks and Attractions
- Fountain Square – the city’s civic and cultural center
- Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden – one of the oldest zoos in the U.S.
- Cincinnati Art Museum and Contemporary Arts Center
- Over-the-Rhine (OTR) – a revitalized 19th-century neighborhood filled with breweries, galleries, and historic architecture
- Great American Ball Park – home of the Cincinnati Reds, the oldest professional baseball team
History
- Rapidly grew during the 19th century as a river trade and manufacturing center
- Known for German-American influence and pork processing ("Porkopolis")
- Key location on the Underground Railroad, with the **National Underground Railroad Freedom Center** downtown
Economy
- Diverse economy anchored by major corporations: Procter & Gamble, Kroger, Fifth Third Bank, and GE Aviation
- Strength in consumer goods, finance, aerospace, and healthcare
- Cincinnati is consistently ranked among the top U.S. cities for affordability and quality of life
Education
- University of Cincinnati – a public research university with renowned design and music programs
- Xavier University and Cincinnati State
- Strong public and private K–12 education options
Culture
- Blend of Midwestern and Southern influences
- Known for Cincinnati-style chili (served over spaghetti) and local traditions like goetta sausage
- Hosts events like Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, BLINK light festival, and Taste of Cincinnati
Transportation
- Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
- I-71, I-74, and I-75 converge in the city
- Metro bus service and the modern Cincinnati Bell Connector streetcar serve downtown and OTR
Fun Facts
- The Carew Tower was once the tallest building in the U.S. outside NYC
- Home to the first professional baseball team (1869)
- Nicknamed “The City of Seven Hills” for its rolling terrain