A racetrack, a bank, a bath house: by the early 1850s, “Forest City” was already a name Cleveland businesses wanted over the door. The trees had apparently found themselves a publicist. Exactly who supplied the nickname is harder to pin down.
Two people appear in the story, alongside some useful early evidence:
- Historical roots: The Forest City Race Track opened in 1850, an early documented business use of the name.
- The tree planter: Mayor William Case, who encouraged tree planting, is often credited with inspiring the nickname.
- The printer: Timothy Smead’s obituary credited him with giving Cleveland the name.
- The lasting appeal: The name gives us a reason to appreciate the trees we have and make room for more.
The competing claims are a reminder that nicknames spread through ordinary use. Once enough people put a name on a sign, a letterhead, or a shop window, it begins to feel as though it has always been there.
“Forest City” also asks something of the place that wears it. Trees need planting and care, and a nickname cannot do either. On your next walk, give the canopy a little of the attention usually reserved for the buildings.
Wearing the Nickname
The words themselves are the starting point for our collection. They let Cleveland speak in an older register, one that belongs as comfortably on an embroidered cap as it once did above a business. The appeal is in recognizing your city by a name that has been around longer than you have.
- Start with the embroidered five-panel — shop the Cleveland Forest City Cap, or the softer, broken-in Heart of Forest City Washed Cap.
- For the same idea on a shirt, the Forest City Heavyweight Tee and the Forest City Heavyweight Long Sleeve Tee.
- When the wind comes off the lake, the Forest City Oversized Hoodie.
- For a camouflage version, the Forest City Camouflage Trucker Cap.
Shop the full Forest City Collection.
The Forest City baby bodysuit brings the nickname to the smallest Clevelanders.
Down the Rabbit Hole
The Encyclopedia of Cleveland History traces the nickname’s competing origins. Continue with the story of Cleveland’s room to roam to see how preserving green space became a regional project.
