The Proud History of Portage County

Our history

The name Portage comes from an old Native American trail called Portage Path, which ran between the Cuyahoga and Tuscarawas rivers – noting the place where travelers “portaged” (carried their canoes overland.)

Canoe and kayak enthusiasts still row down the Cuyahoga River and the history that surrounds them is astounding and evolves every day. No one volume captures it and every town has inspired biographies, memoirs and historical studies. Every Portage County community celebrates its heritage and history in its museums, events, talks and on websites.

We recommend these for further learning

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Portage Heritage: The History of Portage County Ohio, James Holm

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Portage County Historical Society

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Kent Historical Society

Who calls Portage County home?

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