Akron

Akron (pop. 226,700), industrial city, seat of Summit County, Ohio, located on the Cuyahoga River, 36 mi (58 km) south of Cleveland. Akron was settled early in the 19th century and incorporated in 1865. Among the city's historical buildings is the home of John Brown, the abolitionist. B.F. Goodrich founded his pioneer rubber factory in Akron in 1870. With the invention of the automobile, Akron developed some of the world's largest tire and automobile plants. In addition, the city manufactures aircraft, matches, plastics, and clay and wood products.