Akron, Ohio, USA: An International Community

Akron has a long and distinguished history as an international city, both through its business activities and the diversity of its citizens. Today it is the center of advanced polymer research, including innovative solutions for the health care industry, with a research cluster at The University of Akron. Nearby, Kent State University's Liquid Crystal Institute is developing other advanced materials to support growth of new industries.

In the 1800s, Akron's location on two canal systems drew workers from Europe and supported rapid growth of companies with national outreach. One milling company consolidated with others in the U.S. to form the Quaker Oats Company. In the 1880s, the first long distance electric railroad in the world ran from Akron to Cleveland. Machine tool companies and other suppliers replaced farm implements companies.

In the 1900s, Akron became known as the Rubber Capital of the World with the founding of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company and the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, among others. The factories drew workers from across the country and Europe. By 1925, some 28 nationalities were represented in the Akron community.

After World War II, immigrants from many Eastern European countries settled in the area. In the late 1950s, many Cuban refugees were resettled in Akron. Since then, successive groups of displaced peoples (including Vietnamese and Hmong) and foreign professionals have made Akron their home.

Today, Akron continues to expand its international reach through business and educational initiatives while welcoming people from all parts of the globe.

Source: Summit County Historical Society, History of Summit County