Youngstown

Youngstown sits on the Mahoning River, roughly 58 miles southeast of Cleveland and 61 miles northwest of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania. The city covers rolling terrain that was once dominated by steel mills and foundries.

The settlement started in 1796 when John Young bought land from the Connecticut Land Company and built a sawmill. The city grew into a major steel and iron center in the late 1800s, shaping its economy until the mills closed in the 1970s.

The riverfront along the Mahoning now serves as a recreation area where residents and visitors walk or cycle along the water. In the old industrial districts, artists and small business owners have moved into former warehouses and factory buildings.

Visitors can move easily on foot through downtown and nearby neighborhoods, while a car helps for trips to the large city park or destinations outside the center. Most museums and theaters are centrally located and open throughout the year.

The Butler gallery was the first museum in the United States dedicated solely to American art when it opened in 1919. The city launched one of the nation's first business incubator programs in the 1990s to support technology startups.

Location: Mahoning County

Inception: 1796

Founders: John Young

Elevation above the sea: 259 m

Website: http://youngstownohio.gov

GPS coordinates: 41.09639,-80.64917

Latest update: December 12, 2025 20:01