Cincinnati, Ohio, affectionately known as the Queen City, boasts a moniker that evokes images of royalty and historical grandeur. But Why Is Cincinnati Called The Queen City? The answer lies in its vibrant past and its prominent role in America’s westward expansion during the 19th century. This article delves into the rich history behind Cincinnati’s regal nickname, exploring its origins and solidifying its place as a significant city in the American narrative.
The Poet’s Praise: Longfellow and the “Queen of the West”
The most widely recognized origin of Cincinnati’s Queen City title comes from the pen of the celebrated American poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. In his 1854 poem, “Catawba Wine,” Longfellow penned the lines:
“And this Song of the Vine / This greeting of mine / The winds and the birds shall deliver / To the Queen of the West / In her garlands dressed / On the banks of the Beautiful River.”
This poetic tribute explicitly refers to Cincinnati as the “Queen of the West,” a phrase that resonated deeply with the city and its burgeoning identity. The “Beautiful River” in Longfellow’s verse is undoubtedly the Ohio River, the lifeblood of Cincinnati and a crucial artery for westward movement in the 1800s.
Cincinnati: Gateway to the West
In the mid-19th century, when Longfellow wrote his poem, Cincinnati was not just any city; it was the major inland city farthest west in the United States. It served as the undisputed gateway to the vast, largely unexplored western territories. For settlers, pioneers, and entrepreneurs heading west, Cincinnati was a vital hub, a place to gather supplies, conduct business, and prepare for the challenges of the frontier.
This strategic location and booming economy earned Cincinnati the unofficial title of “Queen City” even before Longfellow’s poem. It was the undisputed monarch of the western territories, a center of commerce, culture, and innovation in a rapidly developing nation. Being “west of the Alleghenies” was a significant distinction in this era. The Allegheny Mountains formed a formidable barrier, separating the established East Coast from the burgeoning West. Cincinnati, situated just west of this range, became the vanguard of progress and civilization in this new frontier.
A City of “Firsts” West of the Alleghenies
Cincinnati’s “Queen City” title wasn’t just symbolic; it was backed by tangible achievements. The city was a hotbed of innovation and progress, consistently achieving “firsts” in various fields west of the Allegheny Mountains, further cementing its leading role. These accomplishments spanned diverse sectors, highlighting Cincinnati’s comprehensive influence:
Pioneering Education
Cincinnati was a beacon of education in the West, establishing several groundbreaking institutions:
- Woodward High School (1826): The first free public school west of the Alleghenies, demonstrating a commitment to accessible education for all citizens.
- Medical College of Ohio (1819): Now the University of Cincinnati Medical School, it was the first medical school to serve the western territories, training essential healthcare professionals.
- University of Cincinnati College of Law (1833): The first law school in the region, shaping the legal landscape of the developing West.
- University of Cincinnati College of Pharmacy (1850): The first college of pharmacy, advancing pharmaceutical knowledge and practice.
- Mt. Auburn Female College (1856): One of the earliest institutions dedicated to women’s higher education in the West, located on the site now occupied by Christ Hospital.
- The Athenaeum of Ohio (1831): The first Catholic seminary west of the Alleghenies, contributing to religious education and leadership.
These educational “firsts” showcase Cincinnati’s dedication to intellectual advancement and its role in fostering a knowledgeable and skilled population in the West.
Cultural and Civic Achievements
Beyond education, Cincinnati’s “firsts” extended into culture and civic life:
- Cincinnati Art Museum (1881): Recognized as the first “purpose-built art museum west of the Alleghenies,” signifying the city’s commitment to art and culture by creating a dedicated space for artistic expression and appreciation.
- Mercantile Library (1835): The oldest membership library west of the Alleghenies, providing a vital resource for learning and intellectual exchange.
- Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County (1853): Extending access to knowledge to the wider public, this marked the first public library in the region.
- Wolff Planetarium (1950): The oldest public planetarium in the West, fostering scientific curiosity and astronomical understanding.
- Cincinnati Zoo (1875): The second oldest zoo in the nation and the oldest west of the Alleghenies, demonstrating an early commitment to zoological study and conservation. Notably, it also houses the oldest zoo structure in the U.S., the Reptile House (1871).
- Chestnut Street Cemetery (1821): The oldest Jewish cemetery west of the Alleghenies, highlighting Cincinnati’s diverse cultural and religious heritage.
- Rockdale Temple (1824): The oldest Jewish congregation west of the Alleghenies, further emphasizing the city’s role as a significant center for Jewish life in the West.
- First Public Tuberculosis Hospital (1897): Reflecting a commitment to public health and medical progress in addressing prevalent diseases.
- Avon Fields Golf Course (1914): The oldest municipal golf course, showcasing early recreational amenities.
- Main Auction Galleries (1800s): The oldest auction house, indicative of Cincinnati’s long-standing commercial activity.
- First Fire Insurance Underwriters Board: Demonstrating early organization in financial and risk management sectors.
- Central Clinic (1923): The oldest community mental health agency, reflecting a progressive approach to mental healthcare.
- Commercial Hospital and Lunatic Asylum (1821): While the term “lunatic asylum” is outdated, its establishment as the first insane asylum west of the Alleghenies marks an early attempt to address mental health within the community.
These diverse “firsts” collectively paint a portrait of Cincinnati as a pioneering city, a leader in various aspects of societal development in the American West.
The Enduring Legacy of the Queen City
While the phrase “west of the Alleghenies” might sound antiquated today, Cincinnati’s historical significance as the Queen City remains relevant. It serves as a reminder of the city’s pivotal role in shaping the American landscape and its enduring spirit of innovation and progress. The nickname is more than just a charming historical anecdote; it encapsulates Cincinnati’s proud heritage as a city that has consistently been at the forefront of development and achievement.
Even today, Cincinnatians embrace the Queen City moniker, recognizing it as a symbol of their city’s rich history and its continued aspirations for greatness. So, the next time you hear Cincinnati referred to as the Queen City, remember the poet’s praise, the city’s strategic location, and its impressive list of “firsts” – all contributing to a truly regal legacy.
