Early Industry

Logging occurred all along the creek to support the construction associated with a growing city. Deforestation contributed to warming water temperatures, higher floods, and longer droughts.

Source: The Mill Creek: An Unnatural History of an Urban Stream by Stanley Heden.

Infrastructure

Bridges are built throughout the 1800s, including ones to accommodate freight trains. Railroad freight yards are built up along the flood plain while housing and businesses are built above to create neighborhoods with access to clean air.

Source: The Mill Creek: An Unnatural History of an Urban Stream by Stanley Heden.

Neighborhood Development

View of the Western Hills Viaduct from Fairview Heights in 1931.

Source: msdgc.org

Flooding

The 1937 flood wreaked havoc through the Mill Creek Valley. Pictured here is an aerial view of the Cumminsville area looking up the Mill Creek.

Source: Cincinnati Public Library

Pollution

Across decades, the creek was treated as a waste receptacle collecting sewage and industrial by-products.

Source: msdgc.org

Creek Restoration

By 1997, the Mill Creek is listed by American Rivers as "the most endangered urban river in North America." Prior to this, Rivers Unlimited initiated a Restoration Project largely carried out by members of the Mill Creek Yacht Club.

Source: Mill Creek Alliance

Over the last 25 years the Mill Creek has been cleaned up and with support from the Greater Cincinnati Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) sewage overflow into the creek has been greatly reduced.

Source: Mill Creek Alliance

Wildlife is coming back. A 2023 biological assessment identified 19 species of fish in the creek and water quality results show it is on par with other rivers in Southwest Ohio.

Source: Mill Creek Alliance

People are now enjoying the Mill Creek as a restored natural amenity.

Source: Mill Creek Alliance

However, surrounding neighborhoods have not bounced back.