Chagrin Falls

"The organized settlement of Chagrin Falls began in 1833 as part of the Connecticut Western Reserve.  The topography of the area and the powerful Chagrin River dictated the development of Chagrin Falls as an industrial and commercial center.  The first families came from Massachusetts and included craftsmen, mechanics and carpenters whose skills would build a new village.  By 1842, Chagrin River power supported nine mills including saw mills, flouring mills, foundries, an axe factory, a paper mill, woolen mills, a woodenware factory and a shoe peg factory.  In 1844, Chagrin Falls was incorporated as a Village.  A sturdy settlement was established and a commercial center grew, serving the basic needs of villagers and surrounding farming communities. Village houses and buildings have changed through time from modest early Greek Revivals to the prominent Italianate architecture of the 1870s, the Queen Anne homes of the 1890s and the practical bungalows of the 20th century.  Today, Chagrin Falls residents are stewards to a livable, walkable and architecturally intriguing historic village with a natural waterfall and dam located along the Chagrin River in the center of town.  The authentic history and village lifestyle that define Chagrin Falls are a source of community pride and a draw to visitors from around the world." -Your Home Town Chagrin Falls