Cuyahoga Valley emerged on what was once part of Cleveland Township, which the city annexed in 1850 and quickly developed into the heart of one of the nation's leading industrial centers.

[5] The iron industry (which would eventually grow into the steelmaking industry in the 20th century) rapidly grew during the Civil War era, as coal from Pennsylvania and iron ore from the Lake Superior region arrived at the centralized location along the river.

[5] Until sea changes in nationwide manufacturing trends of the 1970s and 80s, Cuyahoga Valley remained at the heart of an industrial powerhouse.

The recession of the early 80s witnessed LTV, Republic and US Steel all closing, relocating or merging operations, which led to massive unemployment numbers in the Cleveland area.

Historically home to much of the city's steel industry, today it is a mixed-use portion area.