Cincinnati is a one of the largest cities in the proud state of Ohio with a population of more than quarter of a million. Despite today being a relatively small city, this was America’s first boomtown during the 19th century. In contrast to many coastal cities that grew on the backs of immigrants, the city of Cincinnati is thought have grown through sheer hard work and good old fashioned American ingenuity. It was the production base for one of the nation’s most famous manufacturers – Proctor and Gamble during the 19th century and enjoyed a period of wealth due to the shipping activities that took place along the Ohio River.
Fountain Square is the symbolic and the geographic centre of the city. It was established in 1871 as a gift from one of Cincinnati’s wealthier residents. Prior to this, the area housed a butcher’s market which is said to trace its origins to the late 1700’s, the early years of the city. The square’s namesake fountain was commissioned to be built in the German city of Munich; it supposedly symbolizes the flow of water. This is apt since the city built its fortune as a major port on the Ohio River, when river based transport was popular in the United States.
The Square was renovated in 1971 and the surrounding area was spruced up as well. This renovation was the catalyst which turned Fountain Square into the biggest shopping district in Cincinnati. As this new monument drew crowds, local businesses bought up shop space hoping to ply their trades to them. Today the square features a host of new additions such as a skating rink, an interactive water wall and a high resolution video display that has a knack of focusing on tourists.
Shopping in Fountain Square is pleasurable, partly due to the ambience created by the fountain and partly because of the great shops and boutiques that can be found. A number of Cincinnati hotels such as the Millennium Hotel Cincinnati can be seen within close proximity. Cincinnati hotel rooms at the heart of the city close to this location is an excellent place to stay due to the great transportation links.