Peninsula in Summit County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Village and River Linked
Peninsula has had a stormy relationship with the Cuyahoga River. Over the years the river has supported thriving industries and attracted travelers. During heavy rains, however, massive floods have damaged property and disrupted day-to-day activities.
Hermon Bronson, an early resident, built a sawmill and gristmill powered by a natural fall in the river. Bronson lobbied – and donated lane – to have the Ohio & Erie Canal routed through the town. After Lock 29 went into operation in 1827, Peninsula became a major boat-building center and canal stopover.
The village flourished again when the Valley Railway altered the river’s course and opened a depot. Today the river is the heart of a national park – and still drawing visitors to Peninsula.
[Captions:]
The Great Flood of 1913 brought an end to canal operations. Look up and across the river at the Towpath Trail bridge. This photo of Lock 29 as an island was taken from the hill beyond. Local still keep a watchful eye on the weather.
The Cuyahoga River (blue) once had an oxbow (yellow) with a narrow neck. Residents called the 20 acres inside the bend a peninsula, hence the village’s name. The railroad (green) cut off the oxbow and rerouted the river to avoid building two bridges.
The Moody and Thomas mill used the river’s water power to produce flour. Notice the icicles of leaking canal water dripping out of the aqueduct into the river below.
Hermon Bronson promoted Peninsula as a business center. His stone house still stands opposite Bronson Memorial Church. The latter is now operated by a historical society.
Hiram V. Bronson, Hermon’s son, campaigned for the railroad to establish a stop in Peninsula.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Ohio and Erie Canal series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1827.
Location. 41° 14.573′ N, 81° 32.954′ W. Marker is in Peninsula, Ohio, in Summit County. Marker is on Mill Street West north of North Locust Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1619 Mill St W, Peninsula OH 44264, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Welcome to Peninsula (within shouting distance of this marker); Gristmill (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Life on a Crooked River (about 300 feet away); Welcome to Cuyahoga Valley National Park (about 300 feet away); A Tight Fit (about 300 feet away); Lock 29 (about 300 feet away); Canal Builders (about 300 feet away); Peninsula (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Peninsula.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 20, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 17, 2022, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 70 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 17, 2022, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.