Parma Heights, Ohio, is a small city located in Cuyahoga County, just outside of Cleveland. Despite its small size, Parma Heights has played a role in many important historical events throughout the years. Here are seven historical events that have taken place near Parma Heights, Ohio.

1. The Battle of Fallen Timbers
The Battle of Fallen Timbers, which took place in August of 1794, was a significant battle in the Northwest Indian War. The battle was fought between American forces led by General Anthony Wayne and a confederation of Native American tribes led by Blue Jacket. The battle took place near what is now Maumee, Ohio, but many soldiers from the Ohio area, including those from what is now Parma Heights, were involved.

2. The Underground Railroad
The Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses used by slaves to escape to freedom in the North or Canada before the Civil War. Many abolitionists and sympathizers in Ohio, including those in Parma Heights, played a critical role in the Underground Railroad. There were often “safe houses” where the escapees could rest, eat and receive medical attention.

3. The Formation of the Ohio Republican Party
In 1854, a group of anti-slavery activists met in a schoolhouse in Ripon, Wisconsin, to form a new political party that would oppose the spread of slavery into the western territories. The meeting paved the way for the formation of the Ohio Republican Party, which was founded in February of 1854 in Columbus, Ohio. The foundation of the Ohio Republican Party had a significant impact on Ohio politics, and it was the beginning of a major national political movement.

4. The Cleveland Torso Murders
In the 1930s, a series of gruesome murders occurred in and around Cleveland, including several near Parma Heights. The victims, mostly vagrant men and women, were dismembered, and their remains were scattered near the city. The murders remain unsolved to this day and have become a source of fascination for true crime enthusiasts.

5. The building of the Ohio Turnpike
The Ohio Turnpike, also known as Interstate 80, runs across Ohio from Pennsylvania to Indiana. It was completed in 1955 and has become an essential transportation artery for Ohio and the Midwest. The turnpike passes close to Parma Heights, and its construction was a significant economic development for the region.

6. The Blizzard of 1978
In late January 1978, a significant winter storm struck Ohio, bringing heavy snow and high winds. The storm caused widespread damage and several deaths. Parma Heights was hit particularly hard, with snowdrifts reaching heights of 15 to 20 feet in some areas. The storm was a significant event in Ohio's history and is still remembered by many Ohioans today.

7. The Cuyahoga River Fire
On June 22, 1969, the Cuyahoga River, which flows through Cleveland and near Parma Heights, caught fire. The fire was caused by oil and debris dumped into the river by industrial manufacturers, and the spectacle drew national attention to the terrible state of the nation's waterways. The Cuyahoga River fire became a catalyst for the environmental movement and led to the passage of the Clean Water Act and other important environmental regulations.

In conclusion, Parma Heights, Ohio, has played a significant role in many historical events over the years. From the Battle of Fallen Timbers to the Cuyahoga River Fire, the city’s residents have witnessed and been a part of some significant events in Ohio’s history.