flooding of the Mahoning River, leaving extensive damage exceeding $3 million and 428 casualties in Niles.

Throughout much of the late 19th and 20th centuries, Niles was known to most Ohioans as the birthplace of William McKinley, the 25th president of the United States. McKinley was born in Niles on January 29, 1843, and attended Niles High School before graduating from Poland Seminary.