Canton, Ohio

Canton, Ohio is a city located in the northeastern part of the United States, in Stark County, and is part of the larger Cleveland-Akron, OH Combined Statistical Area. The city is situated near the Tuscarawas River and is close to the Appalachian Mountains. Canton is also near the Pro Football Hall of Fame, which is dedicated to the National Football League and its history, and is home to the Canton Bulldogs, a former National Football League team. The city is also close to the William McKinley Presidential Library and Museum, which is dedicated to the life and legacy of William McKinley, the 25th President of the United States.

Geography

Canton is located in the northeastern part of Ohio, in Stark County, and is situated near the Tuscarawas River. The city is close to the Appalachian Mountains and is part of the larger Cleveland-Akron, OH Combined Statistical Area. Canton is also near the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, which is a United States National Park located in Northeast Ohio. The city is situated near the intersection of Interstate 77 and U.S. Route 30, and is close to the Akron-Canton Regional Airport. Canton is also near the Stark County Fairgrounds, which hosts the annual Stark County Fair, and is home to the Canton Memorial Civic Center, a multi-purpose arena that hosts various events, including concerts and sports games, featuring teams such as the Canton Charge and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

History

Canton was founded in 1805 by Bezaleel Wells, a surveyor from Steubenville, and was named after Canton, China. The city was a major stop on the Ohio and Erie Canal, which connected the Great Lakes to the Ohio River. Canton was also a major center for the Underground Railroad, with many abolitionists, including William Lloyd Garrison and Frederick Douglass, speaking in the city. The city was home to William McKinley, the 25th President of the United States, who is buried in the William McKinley Tomb, a National Historic Landmark located in West Lawn Cemetery. Canton was also the site of the Canton McKinley High School, which was attended by Peggy Ann Garner, a Academy Award-winning actress, and Bob Greise, a former National Football League quarterback who played for the Miami Dolphins and the Baltimore Colts.

Economy

Canton's economy is diverse, with major industries including healthcare, manufacturing, and education. The city is home to Aultman Hospital, a major healthcare provider, and Mercy Medical Center, a Catholic-affiliated hospital. Canton is also home to the Timken Company, a leading manufacturer of bearings and other industrial products, and Diebold Nixdorf, a leading manufacturer of ATMs and other financial products. The city is also a major center for logistics and transportation, with Interstate 77 and U.S. Route 30 passing through the city, and is close to the Norfolk Southern Railway and the CSX Transportation rail lines. Canton is also home to the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, which promotes economic development in the city, and is a member of the Northeast Ohio regional economic development organization, Team NEO.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the city of Canton had a population of over 70,000 people, with a diverse population that includes people of European, African, Asian, and Hispanic descent. The city has a median household income of over $30,000, and a median home value of over $70,000. Canton is also home to a large number of veterans, with over 10% of the population having served in the United States Armed Forces, including the United States Army, the United States Navy, the United States Air Force, the United States Marine Corps, and the United States Coast Guard. The city is also close to the Cleveland VA Medical Center, a major Veterans Affairs hospital, and is home to the Stark County Veterans Service Commission, which provides services to veterans in the county.

Culture

Canton has a rich cultural scene, with a variety of museums, galleries, and performance venues. The city is home to the Canton Museum of Art, which features a collection of American art from the 19th and 20th centuries, and the National First Ladies' Library, which is dedicated to the lives and legacies of the First Ladies of the United States, including Martha Washington, Dolley Madison, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Canton is also home to the Canton Symphony Orchestra, which performs at the Umstattd Performing Arts Hall, and the Canton Players Guild, a community theater company that produces a variety of shows, including musicals and dramas. The city is also close to the Kent State University Stark Campus, which offers a variety of academic programs, including music and theater.

Education

Canton is served by the Canton City School District, which operates a number of public schools, including Canton McKinley High School, Canton Timken High School, and Canton South High School. The city is also home to a number of private schools, including St. Thomas Aquinas High School and Canton Country Day School. Canton is close to a number of colleges and universities, including Kent State University, University of Mount Union, and Walsh University, which offer a variety of academic programs, including business, education, and healthcare. The city is also home to the Stark State College, a community college that offers a variety of academic programs, including nursing and engineering. Canton is also close to the Cleveland Institute of Art, a private college that offers a variety of art and design programs, and is a member of the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design. Category:Cities in Ohio