ABOUT CANTON
The city of Canton is located in Stark County, Ohio. 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 a service economy, including retailing, education, finance, and healthcare.
Canton is 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: football, especially the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and 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 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: football, especially the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and 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.