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Barberton, OH

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Barberton, OH

Barberton is a city in Summit County, Ohio, United States. The population was 25,191 at the 2020 census. Located directly southwest of Akron, it is a suburb of the Akron metropolitan area.

According to the 2010 census, the city has a total area of 9.26 square miles (24.0 km²), of which 9.04 square miles (23.4 km²) (or 97.62%) is land and 0.22 square miles (0.57 km²) (or 2.38%) is water. Lake Anna, a glacial kettle lake, is a 10-acre (40,000 m²) natural spring lake that lies in the center of the original village of Barberton. It is the center of a 21-acre (85,000 m²) park named after it. Lake Anna is named for O. C. Barber's daughter Anna Laura Barber.

Barberton was founded in 1891 by industrialist O.C. Barber, who planned the town according to his vision of industry, progress, and community. In 1894 he moved the manufacturing operations of the Diamond Match Company, which he formed from a merger of 11 companies, from Akron to Barberton. He soon was producing 250 million matches a day. In the valley running parallel to the Tuscarawas River and the Ohio & Erie Canal, he oversaw the construction of factories, residential neighborhoods, and a compact commercial downtown. In the center of the new city was Lake Anna, named after Barber's only daughter, Anna Laura Barber.

Barberton became known as the "Magic City" because of its rapid population growth during its formative industrial years, at a time of waves of immigration from eastern and southern Europe. In 1891, when Barberton was incorporated, the scattered farms that had originally characterized the landscape were transformed into a fledgling city of 1,800. When an Akron Beacon Journal reporter revisited Barberton in 1893, he noted that since 1891, it had grown so quickly that it appeared to have grown by magic (hence its nickname). Many new immigrants were attracted to its industrial jobs, which provided a path to assimilation.

In 1908, on a high hill on the east side of town, Barber began construction of an experimental farm and estate, which he called Anna–Dean Farm. It included his 52-room, French Renaissance Revival-style mansion, completed in 1909, and lush gardens, dozens of barns and other structures in the same style, and greenhouses. Barber built 35 structures for the Anna-Dean Farm, all in the French Renaissance Revival style. The farm covered 3500 acres. Believing farming could be as efficient as an industry, Barber intended the farm to be the basis of an agricultural college, but he did not complete its financing before his death. He willed the farm to Western Reserve University (now Case Western Reserve University). It later sold much of the property.

Barberton prioritizes the health and wellness of its residents, with access to healthcare facilities and recreational amenities. Summa Barberton Hospital is a leading healthcare provider in the area, offering comprehensive medical services to the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Barberton Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Tough Bodies Fitness Center and Planet Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Barberton, such as the Chippewa Trail and Pheasant Run Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

The top sites in Barberton, OH are Lake Anna Park, White Rabbit Galleries, and Magical Theatre Company.

Population: 24,826 (2022). ZIP Code: 44203. Area codes: 330, 234. Elevation: 974 ft (297 m). Area: 9.24 sq mi (23.93 km²).

FAQs

Is Barberton, OH a nice place to live?

Living in Barberton offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Barberton, there are a lot of parks. Many families live in Barberton and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Barberton are above average.

What is the nickname for Barberton, OH?

Barberton entered a boom period of development, growing so rapidly that it earned the nickname "the magic city." By 1900, Barberton's population had increased dramatically to 4,354. The city's booming economy and burgeoning industries attracted residents and businesses alike, fueling its growth and establishing it as a prominent community in Summit County, Ohio.

What is Barberton, OH famous for?

The style of chicken has given the town national recognition, with some proclaiming Barberton to be the "Chicken Capital of the World" or the "Fried Chicken Capital of America." This culinary distinction has become an integral part of Barberton's identity, drawing visitors from far and wide to savor its renowned chicken dishes. The town's reputation for delicious fried chicken has contributed to its cultural heritage and has become a source of pride for residents and restaurateurs alike.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Barberton

Summa Barberton Hospital

Barberton Parks and Recreation Department 

Tough Bodies Fitness Center 

Planet Fitness

Chippewa Trail 

Pheasant Run Trail

Lake Anna Park

White Rabbit Galleries

Magical Theatre Company

Niche

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