Whether you are a life-long Toledoan or have never heard of The Glass City, Toledo is full of rich history and maybe even a few unexpected things you never knew!
1. Birthplace of the Iconic Jeep
Toledo has been producing Jeeps since World War II, and the city still celebrates its Jeep heritage with the annual Toledo Jeep Fest, attracting enthusiasts from around the world.
2. The Glass Capital of the World
Nicknamed the “Glass City”, Toledo is a major center for glass manufacturing, home to industry giants like Owens-Illinois and Libbey Glass. It even played a role in developing glass for NASA’s Apollo 11 mission!
3. The Toledo War
In the 1830s, Ohio and Michigan nearly went to battle over the Toledo Strip, a narrow piece of land. This conflict was known as The Toledo War The conflict ended peacefully, but as a result, Michigan got the Upper Peninsula, and Ohio kept Toledo.
4. Tony Packo’s and Its Hollywood Connection
Toledo’s famous Tony Packo’s became legendary after being mentioned on MASH* by Jamie Farr, a Toledo native who played Corporal Klinger. Since then, countless celebrities have signed their names on Packo’s hot dog buns.
5. The Phrase “Holy Toledo!”
The phrase “Holy Toledo!” is believed to have originated from Toledo, OH because of the city’s large number of churches, especially in the early 1900s.
6. A Location for Filming
Several movies have been filmed in Toledo, including A Man Called Otto, and Eenie Meanie, which was the biggest film production to take place in Toledo to date. Toledo even has its very own Film Commission: FilmToledo.
7. Home to the Largest Mural in North America
The Glass City River Wall spans over 170,000 square feet on the ADM grain silos along the Maumee River. Designed by artist Gabe Gault and painted by a diverse team using 2,850 gallons of paint, it honors the indigenous heritage of the Great Lakes region, depicting three generations of Native women.