ABOUT CANTON
Canton is a city in and the county seat of Stark County, Ohio, United States. Founded in 1805 alongside the Middle and West Branches of Nimishillen Creek, Canton became a heavy manufacturing center because of its numerous railroad lines. Since then, the city's industry has diversified into the service economy, including retailing, education, finance and healthcare.
Canton is located approximately 24 miles south of Akron, and 60 miles south of Cleveland, in the northeastern part of Ohio. Canton lies on the outskirts of the greater northeast Ohio metropolitan area anchored by Cleveland, and is also a short distance away from the periphery of the greater Pittsburgh area. The city serves as a gateway to Ohio's extensive Amish country, particularly in Holmes and Wayne counties to the city's west. Canton is located along the historic Lincoln Highway, the present-day Interstate 77, U.S. Route 30 and U.S. Route 62, and is also the terminus of the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.
Most outside attention given to Canton is focused on two things. The first is football, especially the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the formation in 1920 of what eventually became the National Football League. The second is William McKinley, who conducted from his home in Canton the famed front porch campaign which won him the presidency of the United States in the 1896 election. The McKinley National Memorial and the William McKinley Presidential Library and Museum commemorate his life and presidency. Canton was chosen as the site of the First Ladies National Historic Site largely in honor of his wife, Ida Saxton McKinley.
Canton is located approximately 24 miles south of Akron, and 60 miles south of Cleveland, in the northeastern part of Ohio. Canton lies on the outskirts of the greater northeast Ohio metropolitan area anchored by Cleveland, and is also a short distance away from the periphery of the greater Pittsburgh area. The city serves as a gateway to Ohio's extensive Amish country, particularly in Holmes and Wayne counties to the city's west. Canton is located along the historic Lincoln Highway, the present-day Interstate 77, U.S. Route 30 and U.S. Route 62, and is also the terminus of the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.
Most outside attention given to Canton is focused on two things. The first is football, especially the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the formation in 1920 of what eventually became the National Football League. The second is William McKinley, who conducted from his home in Canton the famed front porch campaign which won him the presidency of the United States in the 1896 election. The McKinley National Memorial and the William McKinley Presidential Library and Museum commemorate his life and presidency. Canton was chosen as the site of the First Ladies National Historic Site largely in honor of his wife, Ida Saxton McKinley.
