Cincinnati Overview
After departing Phillips Hall in Eau Claire, WI at 7 AM the class arrived in Cincinnati some 14 hours later on 03/15/2018. Our first base camp was the always swanky Hampton Inn & Suites on the Newport side of the Ohio River in Kentucky. Though a bit tired and weary after the long first stretch of our adventure, brave geographers were left to their own imaginations to explore and find food along the banks of the Ohio River. Some students combed the streets in Newport, Kentucky, while others ventured across the Taylor Southgate Bridge into Porkopolis, otherwise know as Cincinnati. While walking across this bridge, also known by locals as the Purple People Bridge (the bridge is purple), students were allowed breathtaking views of Riverfront Park, Paul Brown Stadium, Great American Ball Park, the Ohio River, the Downtown Cincinnati Skyline.
The next morning started at 9:30 am, as a class we walked across Purple People Bridge, and crossed over to the Ohio River trail in Cincinnati. On our journey we explored the historical markets along the trail, taking ample time to play on the equipment, moving in a southwesterly direction to the Paul Brown Stadium, home of the Cincinnati Bangles. After walking around the stadium and the class made its way to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, arriving at 11:20 am. The class had roughly 75 minutes to explore the exhibits and take time to reflect on the powerful information provided by this center. Upon leaving the Center, the class moved northward towards Fountain Square. Our professor, Ryan, explained the significance of the Square to urban redevelopment of Downtown Cincinnati. By 2:00 pm the class meandered northwards to Washington Park. Along the way Ryan pointed out unique architecture and the class was welcomed by a multitude of large murals relating in some context to the history of the Queen City. Upon arriving at Washington Park, Ryan introduced the class to the history of Washington Park and explained the class assignment that would focus students on the gentrification of the Over the Rhine Neighborhood. After completing the assignment, the class regrouped at the historic Findlay Market. After meandering through the various crafts and food offerings, the class completed it first debrief of the day in Washington Park. Debriefing sessions play a vital role for 368 classes as the entire group is asked to reflect on their experiences of the day. More specific writings about specific places can found under the Cincinnati Tab above.
The next morning started at 9:30 am, as a class we walked across Purple People Bridge, and crossed over to the Ohio River trail in Cincinnati. On our journey we explored the historical markets along the trail, taking ample time to play on the equipment, moving in a southwesterly direction to the Paul Brown Stadium, home of the Cincinnati Bangles. After walking around the stadium and the class made its way to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, arriving at 11:20 am. The class had roughly 75 minutes to explore the exhibits and take time to reflect on the powerful information provided by this center. Upon leaving the Center, the class moved northward towards Fountain Square. Our professor, Ryan, explained the significance of the Square to urban redevelopment of Downtown Cincinnati. By 2:00 pm the class meandered northwards to Washington Park. Along the way Ryan pointed out unique architecture and the class was welcomed by a multitude of large murals relating in some context to the history of the Queen City. Upon arriving at Washington Park, Ryan introduced the class to the history of Washington Park and explained the class assignment that would focus students on the gentrification of the Over the Rhine Neighborhood. After completing the assignment, the class regrouped at the historic Findlay Market. After meandering through the various crafts and food offerings, the class completed it first debrief of the day in Washington Park. Debriefing sessions play a vital role for 368 classes as the entire group is asked to reflect on their experiences of the day. More specific writings about specific places can found under the Cincinnati Tab above.