John Parks asked: Akron, Ohio is a small city with a great story. Founded in 1825 near the Erie Canal, and with his? of? City's twin? of? â Canton, became an important manufacturing center for American Midwest continues to thrive to this day. In fact, Akron is known as? of? â capital of rubber? of? the World. Long before the invention of the automobile, BF Goodrich began the first rubber company in Akron in 1869. General Tire was founded later in 1915 with the rise of the automobile indus...