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The Empires of Cleveland: Van Sweringen Brothers and the Shaping of Ohio

Ken Simmons

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Published in Invisible Giants: The Empires Of Cleveland S Van Sweringen Brothers (Ohio)

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The Van Sweringen brothers, Oris Paxton and Mantis James, were two of the most influential figures in the development of Cleveland, Ohio. Their vision for the city transformed it into a major transportation hub and industrial center, and their legacy continues to shape Cleveland today.

Early Years

Oris Paxton Van Sweringen was born in Wooster, Ohio, in 1879. Mantis James Van Sweringen was born two years later in the same town. The brothers grew up in a modest home, and their father worked as a farmer and a schoolteacher. Despite their humble beginnings, the Van Sweringen brothers were ambitious and determined to make their mark on the world.

Invisible Giants: The Empires of Cleveland's Van Sweringen Brothers (Ohio)

by Lynn Krawczyk

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In 1899, the Van Sweringen brothers moved to Cleveland to pursue their business interests. They started out by investing in real estate, and they quickly made a name for themselves as shrewd businessmen. In 1907, they founded the Van Sweringen Company, which would become one of the most successful real estate development companies in the country.

Transportation Hub

One of the Van Sweringen brothers' most significant contributions to Cleveland was their development of the city's transportation system. In 1913, they founded the Cleveland Union Terminals Company, which built the Terminal Tower, a skyscraper that became the centerpiece of Cleveland's downtown. The Terminal Tower was the tallest building in the world at the time of its completion, and it remains one of the most iconic landmarks in Cleveland.

The Van Sweringen brothers also played a major role in the development of Cleveland's streetcar system. In 1920, they founded the Cleveland Railway Company, which operated the city's streetcars and buses. The Cleveland Railway Company was one of the most successful public transportation companies in the country, and it helped to make Cleveland a major transportation hub.

Industrial Center

In addition to their work in transportation, the Van Sweringen brothers also played a major role in the development of Cleveland's industrial base. In 1916, they founded the Van Sweringen Industries Corporation, which built factories and warehouses throughout the city. The Van Sweringen Industries Corporation was one of the largest industrial development companies in the country, and it helped to make Cleveland a major industrial center.

The Van Sweringen brothers' industrial developments included the construction of the Cuyahoga Valley Industrial Valley, a 5-mile-long stretch of land along the Cuyahoga River. The Industrial Valley was home to dozens of factories and warehouses, and it helped to make Cleveland one of the leading industrial cities in the United States.

Shaker Heights

In addition to their work in transportation and industry, the Van Sweringen brothers also played a major role in the development of Shaker Heights, a wealthy suburb of Cleveland. In 1916, they founded the Shaker Heights Land Company, which developed the area into one of the most desirable residential communities in the country.

Shaker Heights was designed as a garden city, with winding streets, parks, and beautiful homes. The community was also home to several cultural institutions, including the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Western Reserve University. Shaker Heights quickly became one of the most prestigious suburbs in the country, and it remains a popular destination for wealthy families today.

Legacy

The Van Sweringen brothers' legacy continues to shape Cleveland today. Their vision for the city transformed it into a major transportation hub and industrial center, and their developments continue to be used by millions of people every day.

The Van Sweringen brothers were two of the most influential figures in the development of Cleveland, and their contributions to the city are still evident today. They were visionary leaders who helped to make Cleveland one of the great cities in the United States.