The Founding of Canton, Ohio

Canton, Ohio was officially founded in 1805 by Bezaleel Wells, a surveyor and land speculator from Maryland. Wells purchased the land that would become Canton for $2.50 per acre and officially platted the town on October 23, 1805. He named it after Canton (now Guangzhou), China, believing it would become a major center of trade and commerce like its namesake.

Early Settlement

The first settler in what would become Canton was James F. Leonard, who arrived with his family in the spring of 1805, just before Wells officially established the town. By the end of 1805, several families had settled in the area, including:

• James F. Leonard and family
• John Bower and family
• John Shorb
• George Willard
• Isaac Doxsee

These early settlers faced challenging conditions, including dense forests that needed to be cleared, primitive housing, and the constant threat of illness in the relatively undeveloped region.

Original Town Layout

Wells designed Canton's original plat with a grid pattern that included:

• A central public square (now the location of the Stark County Courthouse)
• Four main streets: Market Street (running east-west) and Court Street (running north-south)
• Lots sized 60 feet wide by 120 feet deep
• Alleyways for access behind properties

This grid pattern, common in many early American towns, remains evident in downtown Canton to this day.

Early Growth and Development

The settlement grew slowly at first, but several developments helped accelerate its growth:

1. In 1809, Canton was selected as the county seat for the newly formed Stark County, bringing governmental functions to the town
2. The first post office was established in 1808, improving communication with other settlements
3. A log courthouse was built in 1809, followed by a more substantial brick courthouse in 1817
4. The first newspaper, "The Ohio Repository," began publication in 1815

By 1815, the population had grown to approximately 300 residents, and the town began to develop a more established business district along Market Street.

First Industries

The earliest industries in Canton included:

• Gristmills for grinding grain
• Sawmills for lumber production
• Tanneries for processing hides
• Small-scale blacksmith operations
• Trading posts for essentials and supplies

These early businesses provided the foundation for what would later become a significant industrial center.

Historical Sites From This Period

While few structures from Canton's founding period survive today, visitors can experience this history through:

• The Saxton House (later period but contains historical exhibits about early Canton)
• Historical markers throughout downtown
• The McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, which documents Canton's early history
• The First Ladies National Historic Site, which includes information about early Canton society

Legacy of Bezaleel Wells

Bezaleel Wells not only founded Canton but went on to establish other important Ohio settlements, including Steubenville. His vision for Canton as a center of commerce eventually came true, though not necessarily in the ways he might have envisioned. His grid pattern for the city center has endured for over 200 years, providing the framework for Canton's development.

Today, Canton celebrates its founding each year during the Founders' Day events, connecting modern residents with the pioneering spirit of those early settlers who established what would become one of Ohio's most historically significant cities.