Clarington was formed in 1974 when the townships of Bowmanville, Newcastle, Clarke and Darlington were amalgamated by the Ontario government. Its name was derived from the names of two of its former townships: Clarke and Darlington. Since the early 1900s, much of Clarington's economy has been fueled by both the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company and the Dominion Organ and Piano Company. These two companies coupled with Clarington's busy harbour and its bustling agricultural industry have helped to spur on much growth in this region throughout the 20th century. Today, though Clarington still remains largely rural, it is a continuously growing region of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).