In 1769 a Delaware Indian gave the land that is
now Canton to Frederick Post, a white settler. He, in turn sold it to
Bezaleel Wells, a surveyor from Steubenville. Wells laid out the first
plot and sold sots in 1806. In 1807, the first store, tanning yard and
gristmill were established. In 1809 the first schoolhouse was built.
In 1815, Canton became a village; in 1834-a town and in 1854, a city. For
more information about the beginnings of Canton and ultimately Stark County,
visit the sites below.
