Euclid Avenue

Euclid Avenue is a commonly found name applied to streets in American cities; however Cleveland, Ohio’s Euclid Avenue set the standard for the nation from the 1860s to the 1920s for beauty and sheer wealth.

Stretching eastward from Cleveland’s Public Square to University Circle, Euclid Avenue’s reputation was internationally known; Baedeker’s Travel Guides at the turn of the century called the elm line avenue “The Showplace of America”, and designated it as a must see for travelers from Europe. The concentration of wealth was unparalleled; the tax valuation of the mansions along “the Avenue” far exceeded the valuation of New York’s famed Fifth Avenue in the late 19th Century. Family’s living on the Avenue included those of John D. Rockefeller, Sylvester T. Everett , arc light inventor Charles F. Brush , Marcus Hanna and Amasa Stone . John Hay, personal secretary to Abraham Lincoln and Secretary of State under William McKinley also resided on the Avenue until his death. Jeptha Wade, Cleveland benefactor and founder of Western Union Telegraph, lived on the Avenue, as did his son Randall.

As the city of Cleveland’s commercial district began to push eastward along the Avenue, families moved eastward along the Avenue towards University Circle. However east, southeast of University Circle, the topography of the area rises sharply into what is referred to as “The Heights”. The development of Cleveland Heights and Shaker Heights, along with more efficient means of travel was more attractive than the increasingly commercial nature of the Avenue. Thus, by the 1920’s, Millionaire’s Row was in decline.

After years of neglect, Cleveland city govenment is undertaking a complete refurbishment of what is now known as the Euclid Aveune Corridor. Of the over 100 mansions that once lined the street, only five remain. Of the five remaining mansions only one, the Samuel Mather residence preserved.

Euclid Avenue

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