In the summer of 1796, a surveying expedition organized by the Connecticut Land Company embarked on an important mission in the Ohio territory. General Moses Cleaveland, tasked with leading this team, aimed to identify suitable lands for settlement in the recently acquired territory. As they reached the shores of Lake Erie, the surveying party recognized the strategic potential of the area at the mouth of the Cuyahoga River. The lush resources, fertile land, and navigable waterways provided an ideal location for future development. The surveyors proceeded to lay out plans for roads and lots, thus marking the foundation of what would become the city of Cleveland.

The name 'Cleveland' was chosen in honor of General Cleaveland, who played a crucial role in the survey. While the original spelling included an additional 'a' (Cleave-land), it was eventually shortened to its current form. This act of naming was not just a simple designation but also served as a symbolic claim to the territory, marking the Connecticut Land Company's intentions to promote settlement and development in this promising frontier. The survey laid the groundwork for the establishment of a city that would grow significant economically and culturally in the coming decades.

As the area began to attract settlers, Cleveland gradually transformed from a plotted piece of land into a bustling town. The population grew with waves of migrants looking for new opportunities in the Northwest Territory. This initial naming event effectively set in motion a series of developments that would make Cleveland a pivotal location in the Midwest, impacting regional trade and attracting industries that flourished in the 19th century.