Historical Marker

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Historical marker location:
8230 Brandywine Road, Northfield, Ohio
( Marker is on Brandywine Road.)

Brandywine Falls

  A brief timeline of the history of the National Parks

  • 1872: Yellowstone National Park is established as the first national park in the United States and widely recognized as the first national park in the world.

  • 1890: Yosemite National Park is established in California, protecting its iconic landscapes and natural wonders.

  • 1916: The National Park Service (NPS) is created as a federal agency responsible for managing and preserving national parks. Stephen Mather becomes the first director of the NPS.

  • 1919: Grand Canyon National Park is established in Arizona, safeguarding its immense and awe-inspiring canyon.

  • 1926: Great Smoky Mountains National Park is established, becoming the most visited national park in the United States.

  • 1933: President Franklin D. Roosevelt establishes the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) as part of his New Deal program. The CCC plays a crucial role in the development and conservation of national parks, employing thousands of young men in projects such as trail construction, reforestation, and infrastructure improvements.

  • 1964: The Wilderness Act is passed, protecting designated wilderness areas within national parks and other public lands, ensuring their preservation in their natural state.

  • 1970: The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is signed into law, mandating environmental impact assessments for federal projects, including those within national parks.

  • 1980: The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act is passed, expanding the national park system and adding significant areas of land in Alaska, including the establishment of Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve.

  • 2009: President Barack Obama signs the Omnibus Public Land Management Act into law, designating several new national parks and expanding existing ones, such as Joshua Tree National Park and Zion National Park.

  • Present: The U.S. National Park system has grown to include over 60 designated national parks, as well as national monuments, preserves, seashores, and historic sites. These protected areas attract millions of visitors each year and serve as vital conservation areas for biodiversity, natural wonders, cultural heritage, and outdoor recreation.

The establishment and continued expansion of the U.S. National Parks reflect a commitment to preserving and sharing the country's unique natural and cultural treasures for future generations.

The Ohio State Reformatory, located in Mansfield, Ohio, is a famous prison that has been featured in several movies, including "The Shawshank Redemption." It was built in 1886 and operated until 1990.
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 condensed summary of the historical journey 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.