Strongsville, Ohio, is a large, bustling suburb of Cleveland. It is regarded as one of the best cities in the state, and its town motto, "Crossroads of the Nation," seems as fitting today as it was in the town's earliest days.

A History Worth Remembering

Strongsville has always been at a crossroads, both literally and figuratively. In 1816, it was not a town but an idea, a twinkle in the eye of an ambitious young pioneer named John Stoughton Strong. Strong envisioned a better life along the wild banks of the Rocky River, and he brought a group of like-minded settlers. This group, called themselves the Connecticut Western Reserve, was at a crossroads. They were choosing to leave behind their safe, settled lives in New England for the untamed wilderness of Ohio. The town's forefathers are the Drakes, the Howes, the Shurmers, and the Whitneys. They were brave, determined people who shared Strong's vision and worked hard to turn that dream into reality. Their influence lives on, forever etched into the old bones of Strongsville. Today, you can still drive down Drake, Howe, Shurmer, and Whitney Roads. You can still explore some of the town's oldest structures in the Historic Village.

Crossroads came to town around 1830 when two different railroads arrived and intersected in Strongsville. Those railroads brought wealth and prosperity, but there was another, different kind of railroad in town that was also of vital importance. By the mid-1800s, our young country was at a moral crossroads. Strongsville took a strong stance and became a stop on the Underground Railroad. Countless escaped enslaved people found refuge at the Pomeroy Homestead before taking the Rocky River to freedom in Canada.

Sights Worth Seeing

Nowadays, Strongsville remains strong. It's a thriving city of 46,000+ residents with exceptional schools, low crime, and many opportunities for employment, recreation, and entertainment.

Explore the past at that Historic Village and make a stop at the old Pomeroy Homestead and have a meal. The old manor is now home to a great restaurant, Don's Pomeroy House. But be warned; the building is also home to lots of ghosts. The locals say the spirits are very active there, but they won't ruin your dinner, even if they rattle your silverware a bit.

For a trip back in time, visit Gardenview Horticultural Park. It's a breathtaking, glorious expanse of old-timey English gardens. Or if your idea of a park means recreational fun, head to Bonnie, Volunteer, or Surrarrer Parks. All three are chock full of wonderful activities for the whole family.

If you like to shop, Strongsville has you covered too. SouthPark Mall is a terrific place to spend the day. Antique lovers, don't miss Prospector Antique Shop, where you'll find a wealth of treasures around every corner.

Strongsville has many excellent restaurants as well. Sip some spectacular suds at the Brew Kettle. Feast on steak at Trivs, try some phenomenal Thai at Sweet Mango, and grab a sweet treat from Donut Land in nearby Brunswick. 

And Private Gardens Too

Not every garden in Strongsville is as grand as the Gardenview, but they can be. You have a great local landscaper at your disposal, Fullscapes. Please contact us if you want to create the private garden of your dreams.