THE CITY OF KENT
8/29/2006 12:00:00 AM | General
One of the many good things about Kent is the city's size. Nearly 30,000 residents live in Kent, making it the largest city in Portage County. The original "Tree City U.S.A.," Kent is big enough to offer plenty of amenities but small enough so you can know your neighbors and get around easily.
It's also hard to miss Kent's beauty. Situated on the hilly banks of the "crooked river," the Cuyahoga, the city boasts lovely trees and gardens, as well as 11 city parks encompassing more than 100 acres.
No matter what the season, there is always something interesting to see and do in and around Kent. Every July, Kent's Heritage Fest offers a marathon race, food stands, crafts and live music performed in the center of town. In the fall, Kent State University's homecoming and the Black Squirrel Festival give cause for celebration. In February, musicians come from all over the world for the University's annual folk festival, and spring brings the Festival of Trees to celebrate the beauty of the Cuyahoga River.
Business was a factor in Kent's founding and continues to grow today. Kent's oldest firms, the Williams Brothers Mill and the Davey Tree Expert Company, have thrived for generations. More recently, Kent has supported a wide range of businesses, including national and international corporations and the world headquarters of a Fortune 500 company.
Kent's location in northeast Ohio is enhanced by its proximity to major cities and thoroughfares. Founded in 1805 as part of the Connecticut Western Reserve, the city of Kent is located 39 miles south of Cleveland and 10 miles east of Akron. Interstate 76, located three miles south of the city, and I-80 (Ohio Turnpike), located seven miles north, provide easy access to the rest of Ohio and the nation. Air service is available at Akron-Canton Airport (25 miles) and Cleveland's Hopkins International Airport (45 miles).
Of interesting note is that the city originally was called Franklin Mills but was changed in the 1860s to honor Marvin Kent, whose influence brought the Atlantic and Great Western Railroad's shops to the city that fostered its growth.
Kent State FlashTalk Season 7 | Anchor | 4.1.26
Tuesday, March 31
Kent Sate of Mind: Dani Fuertez
Monday, March 30
Kent State FlashTalk Season 7 | High Caliber | 3.25.26
Wednesday, March 25
Kent State Lacrosse Beats SDSU After Crazy Comeback and Buzzer Beater!
Saturday, March 21
