“In a small bend of the Great Miami River, with canals on the east and south, it can be fairly said, without infringing on the rights of others, that Dayton is the gem of all our interior towns. It possesses wealth, refinement, enterprise, and a beautiful country, beautifully developed.” – T
Dayton, Ohio is named after Jonathan Dayton, a senator from New Jersey. Although significant for many things, including serving as Captain in the Revolutionary War and being the youngest signer of the U.S. Constitution, Dayton lent his name to our city after being the principal purchaser of the land. Along with Arthur St Clair, Israel Ludlow, and James Wilkinson, who served with him in the war, Dayton purchased the land in 1796. It is interesting to note that Jonathan Dayton never actually set foot in Dayton, Ohio.
218 years later, The Dayton Metropolitan area is home to over 800,000 people and growing.
“She shall ever claim our duty,
For she shines – the brightest gem
That has ever decked with beauty
Dear Ohio’s diadem.”
– Paul Laurence Dunbar, “Toast to Dayton”
Wilkinson, St. Clair, and Ludlow Streets are all found in downtown Dayton.
Dayton Unknown 