Queensgate, Cincinnati facts for kids
Queensgate is one of the many neighborhoods in Cincinnati, Ohio. It sits in a valley near Downtown Cincinnati. This area is mostly filled with large buildings like factories and warehouses. Cincinnati got its famous nickname "Porkopolis" here. This was because of the many hog farms and meatpacking businesses in the early 1800s.
Contents
A Look Back: Queensgate's History
Queensgate has changed a lot over the years. In 2010, only 142 people lived there. But back in 1958, this same area was called the "Lower West End." It was home to about 25,737 people, which was a big part of Cincinnati's population then.
Big Changes in the Neighborhood
In the late 1950s and early 1960s, the city had a big plan for Cincinnati. As part of this plan, a large part of the "Lower West End" neighborhood was torn down. Many African-American families lived in this area. The city said this was to clear old buildings and make way for new factories and a major highway, Interstate 75.
In 2023, the Cincinnati city council said they were sorry for this decision. They explained that tearing down the neighborhood was based on unfair treatment of people because of their race.
Remembering the Past
Before the neighborhood was torn down, many photos were taken of the homes and streets. In 2017, many of these old pictures were shown to the public for the first time. They were displayed at the Cincinnati Museum Center.
Future Plans for Queensgate
In early 2024, community leaders suggested a new idea. They wanted to reconnect Queensgate to downtown Cincinnati with new streets. This idea became possible because of a larger project to build a new bridge next to the Brent Spence Bridge. Discussions about this plan were ongoing, and in late May 2024, the proposal was approved.
Fun Places to See in Queensgate
Queensgate is home to some interesting places. One famous building is Cincinnati Union Terminal. This large train station is now a museum and a popular landmark.
Baseball History
From 1884 to 1970, the Cincinnati Reds baseball team played their games in Queensgate. They played at three different ballparks. The last one was called Crosley Field. Today, you can still see where home plate used to be. It's painted on the ground in an alley!
Local TV Station
The local Fox TV station, WXIX-TV (channel 19), is also in Queensgate. It is located in what used to be the Harriet Beecher Stowe School. This was a junior high school where most of the students were Black.
