Middletown was founded in 1833 and grew quickly due to its location along the Great Miami River and later the Miami-Erie Canal, which made it a vital transportation and trade hub. The city’s name is often said to come from its location midway between Dayton and Cincinnati. In the late 19th and 20th centuries, Middletown became nationally known as a center for steel production, with Armco (now AK Steel) shaping its identity as an industrial powerhouse. Historic landmarks such as the Sorg Opera House (1891) and the Canal Museum, which preserves the town’s canal history, reflect its cultural and economic past. Today, Middletown balances its industrial heritage with arts, history, and a strong sense of community.