Campus Martius Museum facts for kids
Campus Martius Museum, Marietta, Ohio.
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| Location | 601 Second St, Marietta, Ohio |
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| Type | history museum |
| Key holdings | Rufus Putnam House |
| Nearest parking | On site (no charge) |
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The Campus Martius Museum in Marietta, Ohio, is a fascinating place where you can discover the early history of Ohio. It tells the story of the brave pioneers who settled this area, especially those who arrived with the Ohio Company of Associates. This museum helps us understand what life was like for the first American settlers in the Northwest Territory.
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Exploring Early Ohio History
The Campus Martius Museum is dedicated to showing how Ohio became a state. It focuses on the first organized settlement in the Northwest Territory. This territory was a huge area of land that later became states like Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and part of Minnesota.
What Was Campus Martius?
Campus Martius was a very important fort built in Marietta, Ohio. It was the second fort in the area, but the first one mainly for protecting civilians. Imagine a strong wooden wall, called a stockade, built to keep people safe. This fort was built by the first settlers in 1788.
The Rufus Putnam House
One of the most special parts of the museum is the Rufus Putnam House. This house was actually inside the original Campus Martius fort! It's the only part of the old fortification that still stands today. Rufus Putnam was a very important leader of the Ohio Company. He helped plan and build the settlement of Marietta.
The Ohio Company Land Office
The museum also includes the Ohio Company Land Office. This small building is incredibly old. It was where the Ohio Company managed the land sales and records for the new territory. It's a key piece of history, showing how land was distributed to settlers. Both the Rufus Putnam House and the Ohio Company Land Office are recognized as National Register of Historic Places properties. This means they are very important historical sites.
Who Was Rufus Putnam?
Rufus Putnam is often called the "Father of Ohio." He was a general during the American Revolutionary War. After the war, he became a leader in the Ohio Company of Associates. This group helped organize the first American settlers to move into the Northwest Territory. Putnam played a huge role in establishing Marietta and making sure the new settlement was successful.
Exploring Rufus Putnam's Belongings
At the museum, you can see some of Rufus Putnam's personal items. These include his boots, his cane, and even his Revolutionary War military chest. Seeing these items helps you connect with the past and imagine what life was like for this important historical figure.
Visiting the Museum
The Campus Martius Museum is located at 601 Second Street in Marietta, Ohio. It's a great place for families and students to learn about American history. You can easily find parking right at the museum. It's also just a block away from the Ohio River Museum, so you can visit both and learn even more about the area's past.
External links
- Campus Martius Museum - Friends of the Museums
- Ohio History Connection: Campus Martius
