The History of Industry in Kent, Ohio

Franklin Mills (later Kent) owes its origins to the Cuyahoga River

— the city’s great natural asset that drew founding father Jacob Haymaker to establish a grist mill in 1805, prompting the creation of a settlement known as Franklin Mills. Some 25 years later, it was the river that attracted businessman Zenas Kent to the community that would later bear his family’s name.

From such humble beginnings did a substantial community grow, led through the 19th Century by three remarkable generations of the Kent family. The Kents were responsible for turning the community into a thriving railroad town at the end of the Civil War and many years later played a major role in the founding and location of Kent Normal College that evolved into Kent State University. William Kent, Marvin’s son, donated the land for Kent Normal College, which was originally built to educate future teachers in Ohio.

The Industrial Area Historic Walk highlights some of the first and most influential businesses of downtown Kent. This district is an area that reveals two major phases in the history of Kent, the early manufacturing period and the railroad era. 

[Walking directions will be featured in brackets at the start of each stop, along with a simple navigational map that can be found by swiping right on each stop's photo. When using a mobile device, clicking the button in the top right corner of the map will display your current location relative to the tour stops. Zoom on map using two-fingers on mobile or using the + and - signs on other devices. Tap on photos to expand and read captions.]