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The Cuyahoga Valley is nestled between Akron and Cleveland. After 1795, settlers from New England arrived in the wilderness and carved out farmsteads in the land they called the Connecticut Western Reserve. In 1827, the Ohio & Erie Canal opened through the valley linking this wilderness to outside markets. Villages sprung up along the canal and industries such as boat building, milling, quarrying, and brickmaking appeared. In 1880, the Valley Railway began operation through the valley introducing visitors from Akron and Cleveland to recreational opportunities. In December 1974, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park was established. Today, visitors enjoy numerous recreational activities surrounded by the valley's natural beauty. However, it is difficult for visitors to envision the existence of the once thriving agrarian/ rural communities.