In 1796, the site for Dayton was chosen due to its location. Three major rivers flow together making it a natural center for water transportation. The city was named in honor of Jonathan Dayton, the youngest signer of the Constitution of the United States. Dayton is also known as the Birthplace of Aviation since Orville and Wilbur Wright, inventors of the first successful airplane, were born there.
Manufacturing leads the economy in Dayton.
Among their products are aircrafts, automotive parts, cash registers, refrigeration equipment, and printing and business forms. The city is also a commercial and agricultural center for the surrounding areas. It displays more than 150 planes and missiles. The city has numerous parks which hold various activities throughout the year. Carillon Park and Hills and Dales are the two best known.