Marietta (Ohio)

Marietta is a city of 13,000 people (2019) in Southeast Ohio. It is at the confluence of the Muskingum River and Ohio River. Founded in 1788 it is the oldest city in Ohio. From the beginning it was one of Ohio's more important Ohio River ports. It is adjacent to part of the Wayne National Forest.

Understand
Marietta, the county seat of Washington County, the first organized settlement of the Northwest Territory, is a small town that has maintained its small-town charm due to having been left off of the rail lines and having had no connection to a highway until 1967. Since the construction of Route 7 and the new bridge across the river, Marietta has been on a slow path to resurrection. It has grown to extend from the Ohio Riverfront to the intersection of Interstate 77. The historic downtown has gone through several renovation phases, with a streetscape program being the crowning touch. The town's name is derived from Marie Antoinette, the French Queen, who supported the American Revolution. It is now one of the Ohio Valley and Southeastern Ohio's favorite destinations.

Get in
Interstate 77 connects Marietta with central Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Or by boat, at the Ohio Riverfront. It is on the State line with West Virginia. The Ohio River separates the two states. Directly across the river bridge on Ohio Route 6 is Williamstown. Parkersburg, West Virginia is a short distance south with access to I-77.

Get around
Marietta is a small town on the banks of the Ohio River. The historic downtown is easy to walk, except everything is uphill from the river. There is a public boat ramp. Exploring the river with a guide should not be too difficult.

Harmar is a historic district of Marietta, found across the Muskingum River from downtown Marietta. Once connected by the Historic Harmar bridge a railroad bridge converted to a pedestrian crossing. The next closest crossing is the Putnam Street Bridge which includes historical information signs at stopping points along the crossing.

See
Marietta is rich in history as is made visible by a scattering of Ohio Historic Markers as well as markers placed by the Rotary Club in front of historic buildings. Walking along the streets and through the parks you will encounter dozens or more. In addition to these there are a variety of specific locations to see including the following.

Go next



 * West Virginia
 * Parkersburg