The lines that shape Canton, Ohio

Disclaimer: This story map is used to help visualize data I came across in my research and not as a typical Arc Story Map. This is an incomplete draft, subject to spelling, grammatical, and data-related errors. This story map should not be publicly shared until all content can be reviewed and edited to ensure accuracy. If this story map is shared with you, it is for viewing purposes and/or feedback before it becomes public.

While I am an employee in the Stark County Prosecutor's Office, this work does not necessarily reflect the position of the Stark County Prosecutor's Office, nor do I have the authority to speak or write on the office's behalf.

Items appearing in red boxes, as below, provide links to more detailed information.

Initially and historically opposed to the "intrusion" of the federal government, Canton's opposition to federal "intrusion" waned when then Mayor, Stanley Cmich (mayor 1964-1983), began to recognize federal dollars as a way to save and expand jobs in Canton.

While the purpose of the money was to eliminate and/or repair blighted housing in SE, Canton, that purpose was over-shadowed by the promise of industry development, more jobs, and an increased tax base

Regardless of intent, the Madison-Lathrop Urban Renewal Project resulted in the displacement of 238 (records suggest the number was closer to 369) families in the Madison-Lathrop Neighborhood in SE, Canton. Of the nearly 1,111 people living in this neighborhood, 97.5% were racial minorities.

While some residents received a fair price for their homes, others were offered nominal amounts, such as $56. Others were forced to move by court order when they resisted. Facing Canton's long history of residential segregation patterns, these families were forced further SE or to the neighboring NE neighborhoods.

City officials eventually approved the demolition of old war housing in the modern day SE Jackson-Sherrick neighborhood to construct public housing, largely for those displaced by the Madison-Lathrop Project. Jackson-Sherrick and Highland Park (Skyline Terrace) became the main housing options for Madison-Lathrop families.

Prior to 1971, all public housing was centered in SE, Canton. Once civil rights groups got involved (along with a blistering report from HUD condemning the relocation efforts), public housing in Canton accelerated quickly, touching almost every quadrant of the city. However, generations of damage had already been done.