Cincinnati was known as Sylva and possibly other names in its early years but assumed the name of Cincinnati in 1857 possibly because of a nearby creek by that name. The area was settled in the late 1830s to early 1840s.

One of the Cherokee contingents on the Trail of Tears stopped overnight at the Thomason farm just southeast of Cincinnati. This group was lead by Richard Taylor and accompanied by Dr William I I Morrow who kept a journal of the trip and mentions stopping at Col. Thomason's on March 22, 1839. They left the next day and arrived at their destination in Indian Territory only eight miles from Cincinnati. Trade in Cincinnati was brisk with Cherokees following their arrival so close by, as it was in Evansville, Cane Hill and other towns in the area.

Bibliography:
The Prairie Grove Valley and Its Communities by Willard Gatewood Flashback Winter 2003
Heritage Trail Partners Trail of Tears Research group
History of Washington County by Shiloh Museum 1989

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