Stark County is centrally located in Northeast Ohio. It is one of only a handful of counties in the country that is bordered by 8 other counties, and has a population of just over 378,000. It's 581 square mile area (including 5 sq miles of water) was named for John Stark (Aug 28, 1728- May 8,1822), who was a general in the American Revolutionary War.

Canton is the largest city, and County Seat. Other cities in the county are:

Villages are:

The Akron Canton Airport on the Northern border of Stark County serves both Stark and Summit Counties, and is easily accessible from Interstate Route 77.

The 356th Fighter Group is a very popular local eatery that borders on the grounds of the Akron Canton Airport. Diners can watch planes land and take off from the large windows looking out over the landing strips.

Canton and Stark County are the home of the National Pro Football Hall of Fame, where the induction ceremonies are held each year to induct new Pro Football players into the Hall of Fame.

This new bridge completed in 2006, over I-77 commemorates the Hall of Fame. The figures are illuminated at night.

The Timken Company remains as one the area's largest employers. They are manufacturers of roller bearings and related parts.

The Stark County Veterans Memorial in Canton commemorates the World War II veterans, as well as those who served in the armed forces. Their names are engraved in the bricks along the walkway.

The magnificent County Courthouse in the county seat of Canton's downtown has gilded trumpeting angels adorning the top of the clock tower.

The cities of Massillon, Alliance, and Canal Fulton will be featured in Part 2.