Historical Markers in
Stark County, Ohio

Abraham Lincoln Alliance-Birthplace of Ohio's State Flower - The Scarlet Carnation Base of the Conning Tower of the US Battleship Maine Building the McKinley National Memorial Carnegie Library Central Firehouse Fire Alarm Bell Clearview Golf Club, 1946 Constitution Day Deer Creek Quaker Cemetery Fairhope Elementary Football Pioneer Paul E. Brown French Cannon Hoover Historical Center Inventor Henry Timken Judge Leroy J. Contie, Jr. Lexington Quaker Cemetery Lillian Gish (1893-1993) & Dorothy Gish (1898-1968) Louisville Armed Forces Monument Louisville Elementary Louisville World War II / Korean War / Vietnam War Memorial Mabel Hartzell Magnolia Cemetery Mark's Dairy Bar on Lincoln Way Marlborough Quaker Burying Grounds & Meeting House Martin Luther King Jr. in Canton Mayor Stanley A. Cmich McKinley National Memorial Minerva East Lawn Veterans Memorial Minerva Ohio First Gas Station Minerva Veterans Memorial Mount Union Stadium Nimisilla Park Nobles Pond North Nimishillen Ohio and Erie Canal Ohio War Memorial Pleasant Grove Private William R. Richardson Ralph Hay Way Richard Elson Homestead Robert Pinn Sandy Valley Cemetery Spanish American War Veterans Spanish Mortar Symbolism of the McKinley National Memorial The Crossing The Deceased of Co. F. 115th Ohio Volunteer Infantry The Little Steel Strike of 1937 The McKinley National Memorial The Saxton House The Sultana Tragedy The Williams Brick Plant Veterans Recognition Day Walsh University Waynesburg Korean Memorial Waynesburg World War II Memorial William McKinley William McKinley William Pennock Wilmot Civil War Memorial Young People's Christian Association “The Cradle of Professional Football”
The Wright brothers, who invented and flew the first successful airplane, were from Dayton, Ohio. The city is now home to the National Museum of the United States Air Force.
Ohio random facts
Stark County, Ohio has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Delaware and Wyandot tribes. European settlers began arriving in the late 18th century, with the establishment of settlements such as Canton, Massillon, and Alliance.

During the early 1800s, Stark County experienced rapid growth and development. The completion of the Ohio and Erie Canal in 1827 provided an economic boost, as it connected the region to other parts of Ohio and allowed for easier transportation of goods. This led to the expansion of industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and coal mining.

Stark County played a significant role in the abolitionist movement and the Underground Railroad. Many residents were active in helping enslaved individuals escape to freedom, and local landmarks like the Wesleyan Methodist Church in East Canton served as safe havens for fugitive slaves.

In the 20th century, Stark County became known for its thriving steel and manufacturing industries. Companies like Timken Steel, Republic Steel, and Hoover Company contributed to the county's economic growth and development. However, like many other industrial towns, Stark County experienced a decline in these industries in the latter part of the century, leading to changes in the local economy.

Today, Stark County is a diverse and vibrant community with a mix of urban and rural areas. It is home to various cultural and historical attractions, including the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the William McKinley Presidential Library and Museum, and the Canton Museum of Art. The county continues to evolve and adapt, embracing new industries and opportunities while cherishing its deep historical roots.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Stark County, Ohio.

  • 1809 - Stark County is founded.
  • 1825 - Canton, the county seat, is incorporated.
  • 1833 - The Ohio and Erie Canal reaches Canton, bringing economic growth to the area.
  • 1861-1865 - Stark County sends many soldiers to fight in the American Civil War.
  • 1892 - The Pro Football Hall of Fame is established in Canton.
  • 1920 - The first professional football league, the American Professional Football Association (later renamed the National Football League), is founded in Canton.
  • 1940s-1950s - Stark County experiences industrial growth as manufacturing and steel production expand.
  • 1960s-1970s - Economic decline occurs as the manufacturing industry declines.
  • 1990 - The Timken Company, a major employer in the area, celebrates 100 years of operation in Stark County.
  • 2000s - Efforts to revitalize downtown Canton begin, including the construction of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Village.