Historical Markers in
Summit County, Ohio

1797 Portage Path Survey 1936 Akron Rubber Strike A New Champion for an Old Canal Abolitionist John Brown Airdock Akron Community Service Center and Urban League Akron Fulton Airport Champions Raceway Alaskan Totem Pole Anna Dean Farm Astronaut Judith Resnik Barberton Military Honor Roll Bath Township Hall / Bath Center Cemetery Birth of the Park Idea Boston Boston Mills Road Bridge Boston Store Boyhood home of John Brown Building a National Park Colt Barn Coventry Township / Portage Lakes Creating Crossroads of Commerce Cuyahoga River Cuyahoga Valley National Park Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad Dr. Bob's Home Elm Court / Our Lady of the Elms Everett Covered Bridge Expanding the Vision First Congregational Church First Congregational Church First Congregational Church of Hudson First Log House in Summit County First Schoolhouse in Summit County Forgotten Village of Brandywine Franklin Augustus "F. A." Seiberling and The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company Ghent Woolen Mill Glendale Steps Glenn "Jeep" Davis Gustave H. Grimm Hale, Hammond, Cranz Homesteads Hall Park Allotment Historic District High Bridge Glens History of 1832 Front Street Howard Street District Hudson and the Underground Railroad Industry Shapes the Valley Ira Cemetery Information Board John Eisenmann / Boston Township Hall John F. Seiberling John Richards Buchtel JohnsonÂ’s Corners Karl Arnstein Linking the Wilderness to the World Locust Grove Cemetery Vault Loomis Observatory Main Gatehouse of Ohio C. BarberÂ’s Anna Dean Farm Middle College Middlebury Cemetery Middlebury Lodge No. 34 F.&A.M. Motorless Flight North College Ohio Columbus Barber Old Town Hall and Academy Peninsula Village Historic District Portage Path Portage Path North Terminus PPG Industries in Barberton President-elect Abraham Lincoln President's House Rallying Support for the Park Idea Ralph Regula: Creating a Legacy Robert L. Hunker Shaw Cemetery Sikh Gurdwara Silver Lake / Silver Lake Amusement Park Site of Sojourner Truth's Speech on Women's Rights Slovenian Independent Society Home Staff Sergeant Howard E. Woodford Stan Hywet Hall Tallmadge Circle (Public Square) Tallmadge Veterans Memorial The Cascade Valley / The Mustill Site The Chapel The Development of Valley Industry The Freedom Tree The Gate Lodge, Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens The Old Portage Path The Pennsylvania and Ohio Canal The Portage Path Connected Lake Erie with the Ohio River The Signal Tree The Soap Box Derby The Wilcox Twins Treaty of Fort McIntosh Boundary Line Twinsburg World War II - Korea - Vietnam War Memorial Twinsburg World War Memorial Twinsburgh Civil War Memorial United Rubber Workers International Union United States Synthetic Rubber Program 1939-1945 Wesley Temple African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Western Reserve College and Academy Yeck Family Portage Path North Terminus Memorial "Eisenhower" Green Ash Tree
The first professional baseball team, the Cincinnati Red Stockings, was formed in Ohio in 1869.
Ohio random facts
Summit County, Ohio has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was first settled by Europeans in the late 1700s as part of the Connecticut Western Reserve, a parcel of land given to the state of Connecticut in compensation for their losses during the American Revolution. In 1808, the county was officially established, and it was named "Summit" due to its high elevation and the fact that it was located at the highest point along the Ohio and Erie Canal.

The development of the Ohio and Erie Canal played a significant role in the county's growth. Completed in 1832, the canal transformed Summit County into a major transportation hub, connecting Lake Erie with the Ohio River. This led to an economic boom, attracting industries such as coal mining, steel production, and manufacturing. Akron, the county seat, became known as the "Rubber Capital of the World" due to the presence of major tire companies like Goodyear and Firestone.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Summit County experienced rapid urbanization, fueled by the growth of its industries. The area attracted a diverse immigrant population, with substantial numbers of Eastern European, Irish, and Italian migrants settling in the region. They contributed to the cultural richness of the area, establishing their own communities and bringing their unique traditions with them.

In recent decades, Summit County has transitioned from an industrial-based economy to one focused on healthcare, education, and technology. The University of Akron has become a prominent institution, drawing students from across the region, while the Akron Global Business Accelerator supports the growth of tech startups. Today, Summit County is a vibrant and diverse area that combines historical charm with modern innovation.

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

  • 1840: Summit County is established as one of the 88 counties in Ohio.
  • 1841: Canal construction in the county begins, aiding in the area's economic growth.
  • 1846: The Akron and Summit County Institute is established, marking the beginnings of higher education in the county.
  • 1865: The American Civil War ends, bringing changes and challenges to Summit County.
  • 1870: The Akron Public Library is founded, providing accessible knowledge to the community.
  • 1914: The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company is established in Akron, becoming a significant industrial presence.
  • 1935: Summit County experiences severe flooding as a result of heavy rainfall and inadequate flood control measures.
  • 1950: Akron becomes known as the "Rubber Capital of the World" as numerous rubber companies expand in the area.
  • 1970: The Cuyahoga Valley National Park is established, preserving natural beauty in Summit County.
  • 1986: The Akron Art Museum moves to its current location, showcasing art exhibitions and educational programs.
  • 2008: The downtown area of Akron undergoes revitalization efforts to attract more businesses and residents.