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Roadside America: Marietta, Ohio
Marietta, Ohio, is your quintessential small town. With a population that wavers around 15,000 and a little liberal arts college, Marietta College, nested within the downtown perimeters, Marietta is a quiet escape, especially for those spending time in the relatively larger nearby cities of Columbus, Pittsburgh or Cleveland.
As the first permanent American settlement in the Northwest Territory, history often guides the sightseeing in Marietta. Established in 1788, reflections on Marietta made by famous historical figures are readily recited by schoolteachers. President George Washington remarked on the beauty he had seen in this area in 1788 when he said, "No colony in America was ever settled under such favorable auspices as that which has just commenced at the Muskingum ... If I was a young man, just preparing to begin the world, or if advanced in life and had a family to make provision for, I know of no country where I should rather fix my habitation ..." Benjamin Franklin acknowledged Marietta's beauty a year earlier though and said, "I have never seen a grander river in all my life." But Marietta's historical intrigues extend beyond the settling of the area for the Northwest Territory.
The Native Americans, primarily Shawnee, were settled in the region of Marietta prior to 1788. The large, still-standing burial mound, which is the oldest west of the Appalachians, is erected in the middle of Mound Cemetery. Many Revolutionary Soldiers, including Rufus Putnam, are buried within the cemetery. Mound Cemetery is now a must-see attraction when visiting Marietta, but the town's attractions aren't limited to the history books.
Marietta was built at the confluence of two rivers, the Ohio and the Muskingum. The town is nestled into the Appalachians and so if Ohio makes you think of flat cornfields as far as the eye can see, you're not thinking of Marietta. Just across the river is West Virginia and like West Virginia, Marietta is marked by the dramatic slopes of the hills. Because of the rivers and the low mountains, Marietta is a great destination for outdoors enthusiasts. Whether you're hiking, biking, or water-skiing, it's nice to be outside in Marietta. But the town is also recommended for those who are drawn to antiques and haunted tours. There are a few good restaurants and bars in town and a strong arts community that keeps the town interesting with concerts and art walks, among other activities.
If you manage to make it to Marietta, here are some recommendations from a person who grew up there (me).
The Lafayette Hotel
The Brewery
The Adelphia Music Hall
Rinks Flea Market
Downtown Shopping
Sternwheel Festival
[flickr image via gb_packards]
Marietta was built at the confluence of two rivers, the Ohio and the Muskingum. The town is nestled into the Appalachians and so if Ohio makes you think of flat cornfields as far as the eye can see, you're not thinking of Marietta. Just across the river is West Virginia and like West Virginia, Marietta is marked by the dramatic slopes of the hills. Because of the rivers and the low mountains, Marietta is a great destination for outdoors enthusiasts. Whether you're hiking, biking, or water-skiing, it's nice to be outside in Marietta. But the town is also recommended for those who are drawn to antiques and haunted tours. There are a few good restaurants and bars in town and a strong arts community that keeps the town interesting with concerts and art walks, among other activities.
If you manage to make it to Marietta, here are some recommendations from a person who grew up there (me).
The Lafayette Hotel
The Brewery
The Adelphia Music Hall
Rinks Flea Market
Downtown Shopping
Sternwheel Festival
[flickr image via gb_packards]
Filed under: Arts and Culture, Hiking, History, Learning, North America, United States
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mike Pyles Mar 8th 2013 7:33AM
Elizabeth,
We posted a link to your article on our Facebook page — Good Life Marietta Ohio. One of our readers wants to know where the photo was taken.
Thank you,
Mike
Charlotte keim Oct 15th 2012 6:41PM
Thanks for sharing information about Marietta. I do enjoy reading others' perspectives of our lovely town. It is a wonderful place to live. I returned to Marietta after years in the big cities (NYC, Pittsburgh and Cleveland) and truly love being home again.
DrW Oct 20th 2012 9:24PM
I think that you mean the Shawnee lived in Marietta, not the Cheyenne.