The city of Dayton, located in southwestern Ohio within the Miami Valley region, is the fourth largest metropolitan area in the state. Dayton is home to 166,179 residents (2000 census), and is known as the birthplace of aviation. The Wright brothers, Wilbur and Orville Wright, researched and built the world’s first airplane here. The city’s long history with aviation has continued to this day as Dayton was recently designated as Ohio’s Aerospace Hub by Governor Strickland. In 2008, Site Selection magazine ranked Dayton the #1 medium sized metropolitan area in the nation for growth and expansion.
Visitors to Dayton are able to explore the National Museum of the United States Air Force; an 800 year-old Native American village; the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery; and the home of acclaimed poet and author Paul Laurence Dunbar.
Dayton Skyline
Dayton Quick Facts:
- Dayton is home to the Bombers, which most recently played the North Division of the East Coast Hockey League’s American Conference;
- The Vectren Dayton Air Show, an annual event that takes place at the Dayton International Airport, is one of the largest air shows in the United States and is known as one of North America’s premier events; and
- South of Dayton in Kettering is the Fraze Pavilion, a premiere outdoor entertainment venue which hosts many nationally and internationally known musicians.
