CENTER OF THE WORLD, OH — In 1845 a noted academic, businessman, and admitted eccentric Randall D. Wilmot from New York City came to plot of land along the Mahoning River in Braceville and decided to settle here and establish a business.

It was a smart move at the time — the land was located along the vibrant Pittsburgh to Akron stagecoach route; every day, scores of travelers and merchants came through, hungry, thirsty, and looking for a place to spend the night.