Ira Apartments

a.k.a. Cleo's Apartments

1302 Parkside Blvd., Toledo, OH
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1996.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

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The Ohio River, which forms the state's southern border, played a significant role in the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by African American slaves to escape to freedom in the North before the Civil War.
Lucas County is a county located in the northwestern part of Ohio, with its county seat in Toledo. It was named after Robert Lucas, the 12th Governor of Ohio who played a significant role in the area's development. The region was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Ottawa, Potawatomi, and Wyandot peoples.

In the late 17th century, French explorers began to explore and settle in the area, establishing trade relationships with the Native American communities. However, the British gained control of the region after the French and Indian War in the mid-18th century. Following the American Revolution, a series of treaties forced Native Americans to relinquish their land, opening up the area for settlement by European-Americans.

Lucas County experienced rapid growth in the 19th century, largely due to its strategic location along the Great Lakes and its access to transportation networks. The construction of the Miami and Erie Canal in the 1830s, which connected Toledo to Cincinnati, further contributed to the county's development as an important trade and transportation hub.

The county's industrialization began in the mid-19th century, driven by the growth of the manufacturing sector. Toledo became known for its production of glass, automobiles, and other industrial goods, attracting workers from diverse ethnic backgrounds. However, the decline of manufacturing in the later part of the 20th century resulted in significant economic challenges for the county.

Today, Lucas County is home to a diverse population and continues to be an important center for industry and commerce in Ohio. The region's rich history and cultural heritage can be seen in its historical landmarks, museums, and institutions dedicated to preserving and celebrating the county's past.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Lucas County, Ohio.

  • 1835 - Lucas County is formed from portions of Wood County
  • 1835 - Toledo is selected as the county seat
  • 1838 - The Toledo War occurs between Ohio and the Michigan Territory over the boundary line between the two
  • 1840 - The Toledo War is resolved, with Toledo remaining part of Ohio
  • 1852 - The first train from Toledo to Chicago is completed, leading to increased trade and transportation
  • 1870 - The population of Lucas County reaches over 45,000
  • 1895 - The Toledo Museum of Art is founded
  • 193