How Akron Became The Backbone Of America’s Tire Industry
The Rise Of A Manufacturing City: Akron, Ohio earned the nickname “Rubber Capital of the World” because of its central role in rubber and tire production. In the late 1800s, Akron was a small but growing city with access to railroads, waterways, and nearby coal supplies. These factors made it an ideal location for manufacturing. As the automobile industry began to grow, the demand for tires increased quickly. Akron was ready to meet that need. Rubber companies moved in, bringing jobs, investment, and national attention to the city.