Canton is situated in the northeastern portion of Ohio in Starck County. Nimishillen Creek and its branches run through the town. The city was established in 1805. After the downfall of heavy manufacturing in the area, service industries such as retailing, healthcare, financial and education have become significant factors in the local economy. Canton is home to the noteworthy Pro Football Hall of Fame.
History
In 1769 a surveyor named Bezaleel Wells purchased the land that is now Canton and subdivided the property and sold the lots in 1805. During the Civil War, Canton became a prominent area for agriculture and industry. Steel production was thriving after the Civil War ended. Another economic spurt began in the 1880's due to manufacturing companies flourishing in the city, especially companies producing machinery. Agricultural equipment was being sold to businesses all over the world.
Watch making companies in Canton were quite prosperous during the 1880's. During the twentieth century iron and steel companies continued to thrive. Hoover Vacuum Cleaner Company has been a major employer in the city since the early 1900's, however it was sold and shut down in Canton in 2007. After World War II ended, the significance of the local manufacturing companies in the country's economy was significantly decreased.
Transportation
The city is served by the Akron-Canton Regional Airport. Public transportation is offered by SARTA.
Attractions
The Canton Museum of Art showcases 19th and 20th Century American artists. Pro Football Hall of Fame displays a vast amount of professional football memorabilia. Canton Classic Car Museum. Canton Memorial Civic Center hosts a variety of events. Cultural Center for the Arts. Canton Museum of Art. National First Lady's Library was a Victorian style home of the First Lady Ida Saxton McKinley. It's currently a center which focuses on the numerous contributions of the presidents' wives as well as other women who had prominent roles in the politics of the country. Wm. McKinley Presidential Library and Memorial.
Activities
Canton Palace Theatre. Canton Symphony Orchestra. Center Ice Skating Arena contains a NHL size rink. Italian American Festival. Stark County Fair. The Annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival is recognized as the biggest event in the city. The popular Timken Grand Parade. Nearby Amish Country in Holmes County. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, situated near Canton features several historic buildings and the Cuyahoga Scenic Railroad travels through the park. Nearby Zoar Village State Memorial is a historic village and popular with tourists.
Higher Education
Canton is home to Malone College. Walsh University, Stark State College and a campus of Kent State University are in the area.
The population of Canton is approximately 79,478 (2005).
The approximate number of families is 36,527 (1990).
The amount of land area in Canton is 52.378 sq. kilometers.
The amount of land area in Canton is 21 sq. miles.
The amount of surface water is 0.036 sq kilometers.
The distance from Canton to Washington DC is 272 miles. The distance to the Ohio state capital is 105 miles. (as the crow flies)
Canton is positioned 40.81 degrees north of the equator and 81.37 degrees west of the prime meridian.
Canton elevation is 1,100 feet above sea level.
Canton median income is $28,730 (2000).
The Canton median home price is $66,300 (2000).
