Known as the “Riverboat Town,” Marietta is located at the confluence of the Ohio and Muskingum rivers and is the oldest city in the state of Ohio. Because of its location along the river, Marietta grew quickly becoming a major trading center in the Northwest Territory. In 1811, as steamboats began to churn in America’s rivers, Washington County entered a boom era, bolstered by settlers passing through, ship-building, and commerce. Since then, many historical sites have been beautifully preserved within Marietta and Washington County, reminding all residents and visitors that America’s westward expansion began in this small but mighty, riverboat town. Marietta has blossomed into a political and cultural center. Visitors can enjoy stout mix of museums, walking tours and historic sites to broaden the landscape of the mind. Shaded, hand-laid brick streets pervade its charm, and fringing them are dollhouse homes featuring stained glass, intricate woodwork, lofty towers, and ornate turrets. All that and more plays a vital role in the visual and spiritual pleasantries of this place. The past fuels the present, keeping pace and pushing forward with great food, eclectic shops, vibrant nightlife, and historic hotels. There is also an abundance of outdoor adventure to be found as two rivers, a National Forest and a variety of parks, refuges and wetlands surround the county. From spring through autumn, The Valley Gem Sternwheeler offers river cruises to visitors. The W.P. Snyder Jr., the only steam-powered sternwheel towboat still afloat in the United States, is moored behind The Ohio River Museum.
INCLUDED SHORE EXCURSIONS: Marietta Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
Mound Cemetery
Established in 1801, Mound Cemetery is one of the oldest cemeteries of the original Northwest Territory. The cemetery holds founders and settlers of Marietta and veterans of almost every American war are also buried here. Mound Cemetery is home to the largest number of Revolutionary War officers buried in a single location. In the middle of the cemetery, the earthwork structure known as Conus Mound prominently stands 30 feet high. Conus is thought to be an actual burial mound, probably containing the remains of hundreds of Native Americans. Visitors can take the steps to the top, where there are benches to sit and admire the view.
Suggested Visit: 15 - 30 minutes