On March 3, 1840, the Ohio government authorized the creation of Summit County. It originally was a portion of the
 Connecticut Western Reserve. The county was named for the Portage Summit, the highest point along the Ohio and Erie
 Canal. The county grew very quickly, especially following the completion of the Ohio and Erie Canal.

 Due to its proximity to transportation systems and an abundant supply of coal, iron ore, and steel, the county seat of Akron
 became a major site for the production of cereal, rubber, and numerous other products during the latter portion of the 
 nineteenth century. Because B.F. Goodrich Company, Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, and the Goodyear Tire & Rubber
 Company were all located in Akron, the city became known as the "Rubber Capital of the World."