Cincinnati history

Explore the past and celebrate Cincy Culture

We’re a region of firsts–and our storied history and diverse heritage made the Cincy Region what it is today.

From Prohibition-era bootleggers to a mob-run early gambling scene and an abandoned network of larger tunnels, the region’s underground history is full of secrets to discover. Honor the stories of the Underground Railroad at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, located just steps from the Ohio River, which was once the dividing line between the slave states of the South and the free states of the North. Marvel at Art Deco architecture in Union Terminal and Cincinnati Music Hall. Take a guided tour or explore on your own and sample your way through Cincy’s brewing history. Walk the Roebling Suspension Bridge between Cincy and Covington, Kentucky. When it opened in 1866, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. If it looks familiar, it’s because it was designed by the same engineer who designed the Brooklyn Bridge (ours was first, we’d like to point out). We’re proud to be the home of Major League Baseball’s first professional team, the Cincinnati Reds, the beloved team that created America’s favorite pastime.   

Dive deep into Cincy’s history through unique tours, attractions, cultural events and museums.