The second in our series of “Father’s of Cleveland” is Mayor Tom Johnson. Tom Johnson served as mayor of Cleveland from 1901 – 1909, being re-elected three times. He was known as the “best mayor of the best governed city in the United States”.
Prior to being mayor of Cleveland, Tom made his money in street cars. He invented a farebox for street cars. Cleveland’s street cars did not connect and each line charged a separate fare. He lead the movement against this and his arch rival, Mark Hanna, to consolidate the street car lines and charge a set 3 cent fare. He also served in the US House from 1890 – 1894.
As mayor, he helped push for the Group Plan of 1903, creating what today is Cleveland’s mall and many of the public buildings surrounding it. He picked his cabinet based on ability not party loyalty. He took on the electric and gas companies of the day to bring about cheaper prices for the citizens of Cleveland. He ushered in what is known as Cleveland’s progressive era.
He died in 1911. Today you can see Tom Johnson’s statue in Public Square. It happens to be the meeting point of our walking tours. To book your tour today and learn more of Cleveland’s great history!
