Akron in Summit County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Creating Crossroads of Commerce
Ohio & Erie Canalway
You are near "Hall's Corners," the center of Akron's first business district, named after the general store that once stood at the corner of Market and Howard streets. Across Market Street from where you are standing, was the Empire House, the most modern hotel in northern Ohio at the time. Right next to the Empire House, the Pennsylvania & Ohio (P&O) Canal ran down the middle of Main Street, providing a direct water link to Pittsburgh. The Ohio & Erie Canal flowed two blocks to the west. Together, these canals helped the "city at the summit" become a frontier boomtown.
Did You Know…
For decades Hall's Corners merchants controlled the P&O Canal and enjoyed a monopoly on Akron's commerce. Once the canal closed in 1884, business waned as new stores, hotels and attractions opened along the newly paved Main Street.
Erected by City of Akron, Cascade Locks Park Association, and Metro Parks Serving Summit County.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Man-Made Features • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1884.
Location. 41° 5.097′ N, 81° 31.023′ W. Marker is in Akron, Ohio, in Summit County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street and Market Street (Ohio Route 18/162), on the right when traveling south on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Akron OH 44308, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. United Rubber Workers International Union (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Site of Sojourner Truth's Speech on Women's Rights (about 700 feet away); Contributions Of African Americans To Akron's Rubber Industry (approx. 0.2 miles away); Contributions Of Women To Akron's Rubber Industry (approx. 0.2 miles away); Howard Street District (approx. 0.2 miles away); George W. Mathews (approx. 0.2 miles away); GG9 (approx. 0.2 miles away); Heating a City (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Akron.
Also see . . . Akron, Ohio. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on November 7, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 26, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 600 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 26, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.