The Oldest Town In Ohio Is Loaded With Fascinating History
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Catherine Armstrong
Author
One of the things we love best about Ohio is its rich, vibrant history, and we have plenty of historic towns that will transport you right back to the past. Marietta, Ohio’s oldest town, is chock-full of history and is beautiful to boot, making it one of the best small towns in the U.S.
Nestled in the confluence of the Muskingum and Ohio Rivers, this charming town is the oldest in the state. During your visit, you'll see historic sites, beautiful Victorian homes and mansions, and plenty of scenic beauty.
The original settlement, built by General Putnam and 48 men who had served under him, was called Campus Martius. It was a walled-in fortification designed to guard against potential attacks from Native Americans. Check out the memorial to these men, which is called "Start Westward of the United States." It's located in Muskingum Park.
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It's a vibrant town with plenty to see and do, and is a perfect place for a weekend visit.
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The museum is located at 601 2nd St., Marietta, OH 45750.
Take a stroll around campus and admire the beautiful buildings. You'll find the college at 215 5th Street.
The Gothic Revival-style home now serves as a museum. Take a tour to see Victorian furniture and the restored home, and learn more about the city's history. The Castle is located at 418 4th St., Marietta, OH 45750.
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The Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption is a gorgeous basilica with stained glass windows and soaring ceilings. The colossal cathedral was completed in 1909 and is located at 506 4th Street.
This cemetery is the resting place of many of Marietta's founders, including General Rufus Putnam, Benjamin Tupper, and Abraham Whipple. It's also the site of The Great Mound, an Adena mound built between 100 BC and 500 AD.
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Though the original hotel burned to the ground in 1919, the reconstructed Lafayette is still nearly 100 years old. Its rooms include many antiques, and you'll find bits of Marietta's history all throughout the hotel. You might even run into a ghost or two - it's said to be haunted! You'll find the hotel at 101 Front St., Marietta, OH 45750.
The trolley takes you for a one-hour tour that includes many of Marietta's grand old houses and historic sites. Click here for more information.
Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau has designed several tours that you can take to explore Marietta and all it has to offer. Click here to access the tours.
Take a narrated sightseeing tour to learn more about Marietta, its history, and local landmarks. Visit the Valley Gem's website to see the different tours offered.
For more information about Marietta, check out the town’s website and stay up-to-date on unique seasonal and special events on the Visit Marietta Ohio Facebook page.
Have you visited the oldest town in Ohio? What’s your favorite thing to see or do in Marietta? We love to hear your comments!
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