Happy birthday, Cincinnati!

Cincinnatians are mindful when it comes to dates. They can tell you when Tom Browning pitched his no-hitter, or why they hold a moment of silence on December 3. However, the one date they can't tell you is the city's birthday. Well, SURPRISE, it's today!

Instead of cake and candles, we're celebrating the Queen City with photos from its glorious past.

Technically speaking, the area -- then known as Losantiville -- was settled in December of 1788, but the city was not incorporated until February 5, 1819.

For pioneers, it was the gateway to the West. For slaves, a beacon of freedom. For immigrants, a new home. For pigs, the end of the line.

It's seen its share of turbulence, surviving floods…

Civil unrest…

And the Bengals.

To outsiders, Cincinnati might seem backwards…

Like how the Ohio River belongs to Kentucky...

Why tempers flare when "streetcar" pops up in conversation...

Or what the deal is with flying pigs.

Where to live in Cincinnati remains a debate...

As are its rooting interests...

And it'll defend to the death the things it loves.

Cincinnati has lost some gems throughout the years...

But it continues to flaunt beautiful structures...

Events...

And people.

So here's to you, Cincinnati. May your future be as bright as your past!