Here in Northeast Ohio, back in 1803...

Originally part of the Western Reserve of Connecticut, Youngstown was settled by pioneers from that area. The city was named after John Young, who came here in 1797 after purchasing a whole township, over 15,000 acres of land, from the Western Reserve Land Company.

Youngstown was just a small village when pockets of iron ore were discovered. This resulted in the construction of the first blast furnace in the area by Daniel and James Heaton. However, the spirit of Youngstown emerged once vast quantities of limestone were discovered, thus providing Youngstown with the necessary raw materials to develop into a great iron and steel center.

By 1820, Youngstown's population began to grow, as well as industrialization, with the opening of the Pennsylvania and Ohio Canal. This waterway was later abandoned in favor of the railroads which attracted people and industry in ever increasing volume. In 1876, the Mahoning County Seat was moved to Youngstown, increasing the city's population to 33,220 by 1890. The first steel company was established in the Mahoning Valley, changing Youngstown industry from iron to steel which was the forerunner of miles of steel plants in the valley.

Once dominated by basic steel, the Youngstown economy is diversifying to include automobile assembly, manufacturing, metal fabrication and small business enterprises.

A great place to work, Youngstown is also know for its commitment to the arts. The Youngstown Area Arts Council was established in 1975 to support all visual and performing arts. Youngstown is the home of one of the nation's most outstanding American art museums, the Butler Institute.

Youngstown's commitment extends to the leisurely arts as well. The Youngstown Park and Recreation Commission maintains 49 beautiful parks with a wide range of sports and recreational activities.

Youngstown is located in the northeastern part of Ohio, midway between the major trading centers of Cleveland and Pittsburgh, and midway between Chicago and New York. With its well established cultural and recreational facilities and its diversified economic base, Youngstown is still one of the best places to live, work and play.