Although the first half of the nineteenth century was a period of growth in Akron, it also suf¬fered several economic setbacks. By the middle of the century, steam power was replacing water power throughout the country, and Akron’s industries were facing a competitive dis¬advantage. Also, railroads were being built in Ohio by the 1850s, threatening Akron’s posi¬tion as a transportation center. In 1852 the first railroad line was built in Akron, a branch of the Cleveland and Pittsburgh line. This was not enough to stop an economic downturn in the city, which was further weakened by a series of serious fires that destroyed several businesses. A period of economic stagnation throughout the country also affected Akron during the
