Downtown in Cleveland in Cuyahoga County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
A River Reborn
Photographed by Craig Doda, March 8, 2026
1. A River Reborn Marker, Side One
The Cuyahoga River was one of the most polluted rivers in the country, catching on fire 13 times from 1868-1969. Today, the river is an example of how a natural resource can be renewed and protected through regulation, community action, and determined leadership.
The Hune 1969 river fire was pivotal, leading to the clean water act of 1972.
In 1969, the water was comparable to a mixture of oil, grease, and paint.
The movement of the river was described as oozing, rather than flowing.
With little regard for environmental impact, the river was seen as an acceptable dumping site for garbage and toxic waste.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Industry & Commerce • Natural Resources • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1969.
Location. 41° 29.785′ N, 81° 42.059′ W. Marker is in Cleveland, Ohio, in Cuyahoga County. It is in Downtown. It is on Robert Lockwood Jr Drive south of West Superior Avenue, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1516 Merwin Ave, Cleveland OH 44113, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on Ohio’s Lake Erie Shore and in the Western Reserve. It is also in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Celebrating 50 years of progress on the Cuyahoga River (here, next to this marker); Moses Cleaveland Survey
this page online
Other markers no longer nearby. Moses Cleavelands Capital Town (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing); John D. Rockefeller / The Standard Oil Company (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing); Ohio and Erie Canal (was about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been confirmed missing).
Photographed by Craig Doda, March 8, 2026
2. A River Reborn Marker, Side Two
Photographed by Craig Doda, March 8, 2026
3. A River Reborn Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on April 5, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 5, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 5, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
