The City acquired its first existence as a recognized political entity when the Village plat was recorded on February 19, 1831 as New Berlin.  As a result of sentiment against Germany World War I, the name of the Village was changed to N. Canton on January 31, 1918.

N. Canton, Ohio was organized as a city effective January 1, 1962: the City is a home-rule municipal corporation operating under the laws of the State of Ohio.  The City’s current charter, its municipal constitution, has been amended six times since its original adoption on November 8, 1960.  The laws of the State of Ohio prevail when conflicts exist between the charter and the state constitution and in matters where the charter is silent.  The City of N. Canton’s charter can only be amended by a majority vote of the City’s registered voters.