Marietta, Ohio is a great day trip from my home. Dating to 1788, it’s the oldest city in Ohio and the official first American settlement in the Northwest Territory.
There’s a ton of history here and a well developed tourism economy that has produced all sorts of ways to spend your time in museums, tours and a quaint downtown. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from here and shops to spend your money. Venture beyond Marietta to surrounding towns or to the countryside and you’ll find even more.
While I’ve seen and done a lot there is to do here, there’s much that I’ve never gotten around to. When you have history related to the American Indian, the founding of a new territory, river travel, the Underground Railroad and large immigrant communities, well, it’s hard to cover it all.
So, last weekend I headed over to Marietta for a day of some new to me fun.
I visited a large old cemetery built around an Indian mound, walked around the Ohio River Museum, shopped the antique mall and took a cruise on the Ohio River on a sternwheeler.
It was a full day and I had a great time. I came home tired and a little sunburned with lots to think about along the way. Tomorrow I’ll tell you about that boat ride!
Make the Journey Fun 
I’ve read up a bit on the Ohio Company. It figures in one of my family lines, but in a confusing way. I haven’t visited Marietta, yet. I love the Ohio River towns.
Oh my! This is a situation you need to rectify! Marietta is wonderful. If you go, be sure to run up to Parkersburg and tour Blennerhassett Island as well.
There’s so much I missed in my 7.5 years in Ohio!
You need a trip!!!
I just visited Marietta for the second time a few weeks ago. It’s a great town! We ran out of time and did not make it to the Mound Cemetary to walk around. Looks like I will have to make another trip there! Oh darn.
Oh my gosh! Christine, there is sooo much to do! I’m glad you liked it and hope you can go back soon. 🙂