The origin of the Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) evolved against a wartime backdrop. As with many airfields across the United States, CAK's initial funding was proposed at a time when the nation was most concerned about air defense, during World War II. Although, fraught with controversy and delays, the Akron-Canton Airport's beginnings have laid an aviation foundation that currently contributes over $400 million in local economic impact and connects more than 890,000 passengers to destinations worldwide.

A look back to the early years of aviation development in the Akron-Canton region involves a complex cast of characters, a multitude of interests and resulted in a revolutionary government partnership. In September 1940, with Hitler threatening world domination in World War II, the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) announced $500 million in new funds for airport construction in the United States. The Ohio section received $15 million to establish 104 ports statewide. $231,600 was earmarked for a Class 2 airfield (limited to 20-passenger planes) in Canton. Three sites for the new airport were initially considered: McKinley Airport on Mahoning Road, 144 acres; Martin Field on the Harrisburg Road, 170 acres; and the Harvey Miller farm, 400 acres.

On October 5, 1942, after the invasion of Pearl Harbor, Senator Harold H. Burton announced that the CAA had approved $2 million for the construction of an airport in or near Canton. The airport would have three runways, each 5,600 feet in length by 150 feet wide, on a tract of at least 800 acres that would be available for military aircraft. In order to secure the $2 million in funding, Canton needed to purchase the site estimated at between $100,000 and $200,000. In December 1942, Canton City Council approved a transfer of $200,000 from the Timken War Profit Tax revenues to purchase a site for the new airport.