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Battle of Sandusky
This was a battle led by William Crawford, who guided troops from Pennsylvania and Virginia to try and overthrow Native Americans. The Indians in question were Seneca Delaware tribes people, who resided along the Sandusky River. Paired with British allies, the Indians captured Crawford. US troops lost 50 people, and Crawford was tortured and burned alive by the Indians he tried to overthrow. -
Ohio granted statehood
Ohio was admitted into the Union after a law signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Once part of the Connecticut Territory, Ohio became its own state after meeting the requirements proposed in the Northwest Ordinance. However, congress government officials forgot to ratify the state constitution. This mistake would not be corrected until 1953, where the 83rd congress retroactively granted statehood. -
War of 1812
The war of 1812 was important to the Nation, as it was the first was against Britain after establishing independence through the Revolutionary War. The US were the underdogs, as they were still a new country. The British were known for their Navy, which was important as one of the most vital battles was fought on lake Erie. The US defied odds and overcame the enemy, reestablishing their power and independence. -
Akron is Founded
The start of it all! Simon Perkins founded the city of Akron because the Ohio & Erie Canal passed through, and due to the drastic elevation change, folks tended to have some spare time to stop and smell the roses, so to speak. Inevitably, businesses and restaurants started up to serve these individuals, and the town of Akron was born. The name Akron is derived from the Greek word Akros meaning summit, or high point, which is obviously due to th -
Ohio amd Erie Canal Started
Many Irish immigrants were brought into Northeast Ohio to work on the building of the canal system. They were some of the only people who were willing to work of only a few cents and a shot of whiskey a day. The work was dangerous and undesirable but the Irish were desperate due to a devastating potato famine in their home country. -
Clay Industry
The clay industry in Akron started when Fisk discovered clay beds in what is now called Mogadore. The small pottery industry expanded to clay pipes and porcelain which began to pop up in many households around the area. The industry declines when bigger companies with mass production could produce for much cheaper. -
Ohio and Erie Canal completed
When the canals were finally finished, it kickstarted Akron’s economy. Businesses could now easily ship their goods and people could travel into the area easily which increased the population. The lock system, which took a day for boats to pass through, helped breweries thrive because while their boats were in the locks, people would often stop and have a drink. -
Oberlin College
Ohio is famous for setting the standard for public schooling. However, the state was also progressive in private schooling. Oberlin College, founded in 1833, was one of the first colleges in the country to allow female students. In 1837, the first group of female graduates received their degrees, marking a turning point in equal rights and education for women. -
Charles Goodyear Invents Vulcanization of Rubber
Charles Goodyear, founder of the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., discovered the process of rubber vulcanization largely in part due to an accident. He “carelessly brought into contact” the sulfur to the rubber, which caused it it lose all viscosity, making it far more durable in all facets, thus making it a realistic option for tires. There is some controversy surrounding the discovery of vulcanization; Nathaniel Hayward & Friedrich Ludersdorf first discovered vulcanization around 1833 -
Compromise of 1850
The compromise of 1850 was instrumental in shaping the Country. The document written by Henry Clay admitted California as a free state, and allowed Utah and New Mexico to determine if they should allow slaves by popular Sovereignty. This piece of Legislature is important to Ohio because it made it easier for fugitive slaves to be recovered and sent back to their owners, and Ohio was known for being a path to freedom for slaves. -
Quaker Oats is Founded by Ferdinand Schumacher
This is a huge development for the city of Akron; the city is beginning to attract other industries besides rubber. When Ferdinand Schumacher made his way to the Akron area, it was the cheap land, abundant resources, and central location that inspired him to start a business. After merging with the Quaker Mill Co. in Ravenna, Quaker Oats as we know it today was formed. Today, Quaker Oats is an international company based in Chicago, Illinois -
Civil war
Prior to the war, Ohio was crucial in the Underground Railroad and was a refuge for escaped slaves. This was due to its location. During the war a total of 320,000 men from Ohio fought in the gruesome civil war. Ohio provided the 3rd largest number of soldiers in the union, behind New York and Pennsylvania. -
Buckey Mower and Reaper Company
In 1863, Balt, Aultman and company established Buckeye mower and reaper in Akron. With easy access to canals and railroads, it was easy for the company to grow and expand by easily shipping their machines all over the country. They employed 400 workers and was crucial to Akron’s economy. -
BF Goodrich Founds Akron Rubber Works
BF Goodrich first became involved in the rubber industry when he became the largest stockholder in the Hudson River Rubber Company in 1869. Because of the competition in New York, he decided to move to Akron, where there were not yet any rubber companies. This proved to be an excellent decision, as many followed in his footsteps, or should I say tire tracks. In many ways, Goodrich was the driving force that brought the rubber industry to Akron. -
Buchtel College
The idea of opening a college came from the new England influence in Northeast Ohio. John R. Buchtel persuaded Akron Businessmen to help raise funds for the college. When 10 Businessmen and 100 individuals met the pledge, Buchtel college opened on September 11, 1872. -
Frank Seiberling Founds Goodyear
Frank Seiberling received a $3500 loan from his brother-in-law Lucius Miles to purchase Goodyear’s original factory. Although his name is Seiberling, he chose to name the company after the late Charles Goodyear for his contributions to the rubber community. Goodyear himself actually died without a penny to his name, however his spirit lives on through the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. today. Goodyear is still based in Akron to this day, unlike the rest of the rubber companies, which -
1st airplane flight
Wilbur and Orville Wright had been trying to master the art of flight since 1899. There primary designs were humble, yet successful. The new mode of transportation would connect the globe in ways neither boats not cars could achieve. It is highly debated which state should receive credit for inventing the airplane. The Wright brothers engineered and built their aircraft in Ohio, but attempted the test flight in North Carolina. In the end, it doesn't really matter which state was first. -
The Hoover Vacuum Company is Founded
The vacuum industry is the deaf and mute brother to the rubber industry. James Spangler, janitor, invented the first upright vacuum in June of 1908 right here in Canton, Ohio. The Hoover Company has been here ever since, as well as Tristar Vacuum and United Vacuum. Unlike the rubber industry, the vacuum industry tends to remain behind the scenes, and hasn't garnered the same level of attention, despite it having a similar economic and social impact on the city. -
Model T
Akron had a huge economic boom thanks to Henry Ford’s invention. The rubber industry took off due to the rise in demand for rubber tires. This prompted the rubber industries to hire more workers and increase production. More competition also improved the economic status of the city. -
Stan Hywet Hall is Built
Stan Hywet Hall, a modern day landmark in the city of Akron, was the home of Frank Seiberling, founder of Goodyear. Today, the structure is a tourist attraction, with 70 acres of gardens, as well as a large hall for events. The building stands as a monument to the wealth and power of the rubber barons, as well as the impact they had on not only Akron, but the world. -
Flood on Canals
The rain that lasted for four days was the equivalent amount to two or three months of average rainfall. This caused the flooding of the Ohio and Erie Canal as well as other waterways in Northeast Ohio. An estimated 600 ohioans died and it marked the end of the canal era. -
World War I (July 28, 1914)
World War I was triggered by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. This assassination, combined with years of increasing tension, brought about redefining war. Pitting Germany, Austria-Hungary, and The Ottoman Empire, against Great Britain, France, Russia, Italy, Japan, and the United States, this war was unique in how alliances were they key to success. The United States was a vital ally, as the country provided many troops and weapons. -
First Electric Traffic Signal
This traffic light was installed on the corner of Euclid Avenue and East 105th street in Cleveland Ohio. Invented by James Hoge, the first traffic signal came after painted dividing lines, yet still predates the first “No left turn” sign. The traffic signal was controlled manually, but the technology was still modern and innovative for its time. Cleveland was popular and busy, so something needed to be done to organize the carriages, bicycles, and cars that populated the streets. -
Goodyear Blimp
Production of the first goodyear blimp began in March of 1917. The navy ordered nine B type ships and 15 C type ships during World War one. The navy then took over Wingfoot lake as a training ground for flying the ships. In June of 1919, Goodyear began operating its own airships. -
Akron Art museum
The museum brought art and culture to the area but it had humble beginings. It started in two rooms in the public library as art classes taught by Shaw. It has expanded and is now a major building in akron with its interesting archetechture. -
Lorain tornado
The Lorain tornado was the deadliest tornado in Ohio history. The tornado which formed over Lake Erie caused 78 fatalities and injured hundreds. The tornado was so powerful that it was able to pick up a 90 car freight train. There were reports of cows being cut from glass blown by the tornado over 100 miles away. The tornado, while a tragedy, has helped implement emergency procedures to limit the devastation another monster storm could create. -
Stock market crash
The stock market crash triggered one of the greatest economic downturns in history, known as The Great Depression. This crash was caused by over speculation in the stock market. In the midst of the roaring twenties, many companies emerged, and investors because too confident in companies that would later fail. The country would suffer under The Great Depression until WWII would provide jobs and boost the economy, especially in Akron’s rubber industry. -
Soap Box Derby
The Soap Box derby was moved from Dayton, Ohio to Akron in 1934 because of its hilly terrain. By 1936 Akron civic leaders recognized the need for a permanent race track. Derby downs was created by the WPA which was a great depression relief program. The project helped jumpstart Akron's economy during this difficult time. -
Akron Rubber Strike
A union of rubber workers was formed in 1935 due to low wages and poor working conditions. In 1936 a strike began due to a plan devised by Goodyear to reduce wages but increase production rates. Workers in the union used the “sit-down” method which was partially spoiled by scabs who were people that took the jobs of the striking workers’ jobs for less pay. -
World War II
World War II was the largest and most deadly war in global history. A result of Adolf Hitler’s rise, this war would involve over 30 countries and result in more than 50 million casualties. the United States initially remained isolated, but after an attack on Pearl Harbor, FDR declared war on Axis powers. This war, in one way, was beneficial to the US, as the need for troops and military equipment boosted the economy, especially in Akron and Cleveland where rubber and steel were manufactured. -
The Highway System is Built
When asked why he selected northeast Ohio as his location, the owner of Marshall Goldman Motor Sales told me that it's all due to the highway systems. If a car needs to be delivered, Cleveland roughly in between New York and Chicago, not much further from Atlanta, and the trip to Miami or Dallas can be made in a day. All of the major cities in the east are easily accessible from Cleveland, primarily because most of the driving is “as the crow flies”, either on 80, 76, 77, or 71; -
Cuyahoga River fire
The main factor leading up to the river fire was pollution from all the industrialization and manufacturing in Cleveland Ohio. The fire lasted almost thirty minutes, and caused around $50,000 in damage. The fire is important to not only Ohio history but US history, as it alerted many people of the environmental impact from industrialization. After the fire, many restriction have been implemented in polluting waterways, and the Cuyahoga river has been restored. -
The Black Keys are Formed
The Black Keys are an alternative rock band that has taken the world by storm in recent years. One of their first albums, Strange Times, really put them on the map, which in turn put Akron on the map as well. The Black Keys have always made it clear that Akron is their home, and they are proud of this. The Black Keys have had nothing but a positive impact on the city, and as they continue to make more music, this impact will only grow. -
Cleveland Cavaliers Win The NBA Finals
What an exceptional period of time for the city of Cleveland. The summer of 2016 will surely go down as a Renaissance time for the area, with not one but two championship contending teams in one year after a fifty two year drought. Although the Midwest has a reputation of being relatively “rough” and a bit cold both in temperature and personability, the Cavs’ title seemed to break down the walls. Folks from all walks of life were cheering & hugging in the -
Cleveland's Republican National Convention
Arguably one of the greatest economic upswings in the history of Cleveland, the RNC solidified the positive notions brought about by the championship in the minds of folks who wrote off Cleveland as another failing city in the rust belt. Nearly all of those who came to Cleveland for the RNC had positive things to say about the city, which creates the best thing any town can have for its economy; excitement. A -
Rajai Davis Hits Homerun
Bottom of 8th, Game 7, 11:13 PM, November 2nd, 2016.
If there is one single moment in the history of time that could be described as pivotal, it is this particular moment in time. If someone wrote this, it would be turned away for being too corny, too much of a Cinderella story. There has never been a moment in my life that has come close to matching the feeling - I cannot call it excitement, I
