The city of Cincinnati played a key role in the expansion of our country westward. Its economical progress set up the rest of the western territory for its success.
It was originally founded by John Cleves Symmes and named Losantiville. General Arthur St. Claire decided to rename it in honor of The Society of Cincinnati in 1790.
This name, Cincinnati actually evolved from a Roman political figure. The ancient Roman emperor Cincinnatus served as Consul of the Roman Empire in 460 B.C. He was well known for his brief, yet successful stint as emperor. He stepped down as from his position to return to his farming life and take care of his family when he could have stayed on and exercised more political power. He sacrificed for the good of the state of Rome. The term Cincinnatus has been popular ever since. Our first President George Washington considered himself a Cincinnatus. Many considered this because he too held his command only until the defeat of the British and, at a time when he could have chosen to exercise great political power, instead returned as soon as he could to cultivating his lands. If you travel to Cincinnati today you will find a statue of the famous Roman emperor. The name seems to fit the city, because not everyone was in favor of what was going on in Cincinnati at the time, especially after the War of 1812. People debated what would be most profitable for the city. Soon farmers, merchants and manufactures realized they all were dependent on each other if the city was to become economically successful.[i]
One of the main reasons for Cincinnati’s early economic success was because of its location on the river. Cincinnati also had many farmers and merchants. This proved valuable because immigrants usually stopped there before moving into the area of the John Cleves Symmes Miami Purchase. Symmes was a well known political leader and entrepreneur following the American Revolution. Symmes was serving in congress in the 1780’s before becoming...