Canton, Ohio
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| Canton, Ohio | |
|---|---|
| Name | Canton |
| Settlement type | City |
| Nickname | Hall of Fame City |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Ohio |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Stark |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1805 |
| Established title2 | Incorporated |
| Established date2 | 1822 (town), 1854 (city) |
| Government type | Mayor–council |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | William V. Sherer II |
| Unit pref | Imperial |
| Area total km2 | 66.89 |
| Area total sq mi | 25.83 |
| Area land km2 | 66.42 |
| Area land sq mi | 25.64 |
| Area water km2 | 0.47 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.18 |
| Elevation ft | 1060 |
| Elevation m | 323 |
| Population total | 70472 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | 1061.2 |
| Population density sq mi | 2748.4 |
| Timezone | EST |
| Utc offset | −5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | −4 |
| Coordinates | 40, 48, 17, N... |
| Postal code type | ZIP Codes |
| Postal code | 44700–44799 |
| Area code | 330, 234 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 39-12000 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 1060900 |
| Website | cantonohio.gov |
Canton, Ohio. It is the county seat of Stark County, Ohio and a principal city of the Canton–Massillon, OH Metropolitan Statistical Area. Founded in the early 19th century, the city grew as an industrial hub, particularly for steel production, and later gained global fame as the home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Its diverse economy, rich cultural institutions, and historical significance in the labor movement continue to define its character.
History
The area was originally part of the Connecticut Western Reserve and was surveyed by Bezaleel Wells, who platted the town in 1805. Early growth was spurred by the construction of the Ohio and Erie Canal, which connected the city to Cleveland and the Ohio River. The arrival of the Pennsylvania Railroad and the discovery of local coal and iron ore deposits fueled an industrial boom in the late 19th century, with Timken Roller Bearing Company and Republic Steel becoming major employers. Canton was a significant center for the labor movement, notably as the hometown of John L. Lewis, longtime president of the United Mine Workers. The city also played a pivotal role in professional football history; the American Professional Football Association, which became the National Football League, was founded here in 1920 at a meeting in the Hupmobile auto showroom of Ralph Hay.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 25.83 square miles, of which 25.64 square miles is land and 0.18 square miles is water. It is situated in northeastern Ohio, approximately 24 miles south of Akron and 60 miles south of Cleveland. The city lies within the Tuscarawas River watershed, with the Nimishillen Creek flowing through it. The topography is generally rolling, characteristic of the Appalachian Plateau region. Major transportation corridors include Interstate 77, U.S. Route 62, and U.S. Route 30.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 70,872, making it the eighth-largest city in Ohio. The racial makeup was approximately 64.5% White, 26.2% African American, 0.4% Native American, 1.1% Asian, and 4.8% identifying as two or more races. Hispanic and Latino Americans of any race comprised 5.8% of the population. The population density was about 2,748 people per square mile. The median household income was below the state average, with a poverty rate reflecting post-industrial economic transitions.
Economy
Historically dominated by manufacturing, particularly steel and bearings, the city's economy has diversified. Major employers include the Aultman Hospital health system, Diebold Nixdorf in financial technology, and Timken Company, now a global engineering and bearings manufacturer. The Pro Football Hall of Fame is a cornerstone of the tourism and hospitality sector, drawing visitors for its annual Enshrinement Week and related events. Other significant employers are Stark State College, Walsh University, and Malone University. The city is part of Ohio's Utica Shale play, supporting some natural gas industry activity.
Culture and attractions
The city is internationally recognized as the site of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, which features exhibits on legends like Jim Thorpe and Vince Lombardi. The Canton Museum of Art has a notable collection of American watercolors and contemporary ceramics. The Canton Palace Theatre, a restored 1926 movie palace, hosts concerts, films, and the Canton Symphony Orchestra. The First Ladies National Historic Site honors the role of the nation's First Ladies and is centered at the home of Ida Saxton McKinley, wife of President William McKinley. Annual events include the Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival, the Canton Film Festival, and the Canton Italian Festival.
Government
The city operates under a mayor–council form of government. The mayor, currently William V. Sherer II, serves as the chief executive. The legislative branch is the Canton City Council, a unicameral body consisting of twelve members: nine elected from wards and three elected at-large. The city provides full public services, including police through the Canton Police Department and fire protection through the Canton Fire Department. It is also part of the Stark County government framework for regional services like courts and the Stark County Sheriff's Office.
Category:Cities in Ohio Category:Stark County, Ohio Category:County seats in Ohio