People Profiles

The Cuyahoga Valley has been home to humans for thousands of years. Native Americans were the first inhabitants. Different cultures lived in the valley during different time periods. By the mid-1700s, Europeans were establishing trading posts in the valley and a few decades later settlers from New England started coming to stay. Those frontier communities eventually became towns. Their growth was helped along first by the canal, then the railroad, and later interstate highways.

Each wave of residents left its mark. The artifacts, trails, farms, old mills, and canal remnants of the Cuyahoga Valley provide clues to how past peoples lived their lives. Visiting the park's many historical sites is like visiting different time periods in the valley. Thanks to the park, those special places are preserved.

Learn more about the history and culture of the Cuyahoga Valley by exploring profiles of people who have connections to this place. These profiles are works in progress. Check back periodically to see what we’ve added.