Marietta Historic District (Marietta, Ohio) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Marietta Historic District and Increase
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Second Street looking northwest, with the Washington County Courthouse at right
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | Roughly bounded by the Muskingum and Ohio Rivers and Warren, 3rd, 5th, and 6th Sts., Marietta, Ohio; also roughly bounded by Marion, Montgomery, Ohio, Greene, Butler, and 2nd through 9th Sts., and the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers |
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| Area | 450 acres (180 ha); 480 acres (190 ha) |
| Built | 1788 |
| Architect | Multiple |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival, Late Victorian, Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 74001646; 01000903 |
| Added to NRHP | December 19, 1974; August 21, 2001 |
The Marietta Historic District is a very special part of Marietta, Ohio. It is a historic district, which means it's an area with many old buildings that are important to history. Some buildings in this district date back to 1788. That was the year Marietta was founded. It was the very first white settlement in what is now Ohio! Two of its most important buildings are the Rufus Putnam House and the Ohio Company Land Office. These buildings are so important that they are listed separately on the National Register of Historic Places.
What is a Historic District?
A historic district is like a special neighborhood. It has many old buildings, places, or objects that are important to history. These areas are protected to keep their history alive. They help us remember how people lived long ago. The Marietta Historic District is a great example of this.
How Big is the District?
When the Marietta Historic District was first added to the National Register in 1974, it covered about 450 acres. This area was mostly between the Muskingum and Ohio Rivers. It also included parts of Warren, Third, Fifth, and Sixth Streets.
In 2001, the district was made even bigger. Some of its original edges were changed a little. But it was also greatly expanded to include new areas. Now, it covers over 900 acres! This huge area has more than two thousand "contributing properties." A contributing property is a building or place that adds to the historical importance of the district.
Why is it Special?
The Marietta Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of places in the United States that are important to our country's history. To be on this list, a place must meet certain rules or "criteria."
Most historic places meet one or two of these rules. But the Marietta Historic District is very unique! It meets all four of the main criteria:
- Important Events: It is linked to big events in American history. Marietta was the first settlement in Ohio.
- Important People: It is connected to important historical people.
- Amazing Architecture: It has buildings that are very well-preserved. They show different styles of old architecture.
- Hidden History: It might even have hidden archaeological evidence. This means there could be old artifacts buried underground.
Because it meets all four rules, the Marietta Historic District is truly a special place. It helps us learn about the early days of Ohio and the United States.
