history
- In 1798 Canfield was known as township #1 and was compiled of 16, 324 acres in the Southwestern border of the Connecticut Western Reserve territory. It was purchased by 6 men with the majority of the land owned by Judson Canfield.
- When the land was originally settled, it was known as Campfield until April of 1800 when a vote was taken by the settlers and it was decided to change name of the township from Campfield to Canfield in honor of its primary founder.
- Most of Canfield's original settlers were migrants from Connecticut. Later, major immigrations to the area included those from Germany in 1805 and Irish Catholics in 1852.
- Tradable goods were originally brought to the township by horse and buggy from Pittsburgh. Later on, the Beaver Canal was utilized for trade which helped to broaden trading opportunities.
- In 1801 a sawmill, which was also the first business in the area, was established.
- By 1805 there was roughly 17 homes, a school; a store were established. At this time, Canfield became a trading center for the area.
- Canfield was originally a part of Trumbull county until 1846. The county lines were redefined and Mahoning county was established, and Canfield fell within this new county's boarders.
- After 1846 Canfield experienced enormous growth and was initially selected to be the county seat due to its central location. However, the city of Youngstown felt that they should have the position and a debate began over which city should have the county seat. After much debate and a defense representation for Canfield provided by James A. Garfield, who would later become president of the U.S, it was decided that Youngstown should have the county seat in 1874.
- After the county seat was given to Youngstown, things slowed down in Canfield and the hotel business tapered off. They began to have less contact with the rest of the county and became more of a farming community.
- The first Canfield fair occurred on October 5, 1847 and was held on Broad street. It was a one day event initially and livestock and produce was exhibited and it was a huge success.
- In 1851, fair's location was moved to its present day location on Route 46 and was extended to be 3 days due to the amount of new exhibits to visit, as well as its popularity. Today, the fair has grown and has become a major attraction for people in the area, as well as all of the country.
Sources:
The History of Canfield. (2012, May 28). . Retrieved May 27, 2014, from http://www.history.ci.canfield.oh.us/history-of-canfield