Orrville, incorporated on May 9, 1864, was named in honor of Judge Smith Orr, who played an integral part of bringing the railroad through the area in 1852. Located in the heart of northeastern Ohio, Orrville was once one of the largest railroad stops on the map between Chicago and Pittsburgh. It has since grown into a city of diversified industry and is home to many family-owned businesses that have stood the test of time. The J.M. Smucker Company got its start here in 1897, and their corporate offices, factories, and warehouses boast a sprawling campus today. Legendary basketball coach Bobby Knight was born and raised here and played as a Red Rider on the Orrville High School basketball team. The majority of downtown was lost in the great fire of 1872, but after rebuilding much of that architecture remains today.
