Located in northeastern Ohio, Aurora began as part of the Connecticut Western Reserve and drew many of its first settlers from New England. The city was founded in 1799, with its residents making their living from hunting, farming, and milling. As settlers cleared the land, planted their crops, and raised their animals, they retained their New England heritage, reflected in the many "century homes" found in the town. The area remained largely rural until the mid-20th century, with dairy farmers shipping cheese all over the country and to Europe from 1850 to 1910. Aurora has served as a bedroom community from the 1900s to the 1960s, and Geauga Lake has been a vacation destination since the 1860s. Currently Aurora retains much of its rural charm with Audubon lands, nature reserves, and many lakes and wetlands.