CAMPUS MARITUS MUSEUM – Marietta
Campus Maritus Museum
601 Second St., Marietta, OH
740.373.3750 | mariettamuseums.org/campus-martius
Admission | Free parking
The museum was erected in 1928 on the same site of the original stockade known as Campus Maritus. Within the walls of the museum, you will find three floors of war artifacts and historical pieces dating back to when Marietta became the first organized settlement in the Northwest Territory through the 1970’s. In the Pioneer Wing you can follow a timeline of events, view Blennerhassett family furniture (which you will learn about the family later), as well as other early inhabitant artifacts. Also, on the main floor of the museum you will find surveying equipment, and explanations on how the Northwest Territory was mapped.
For those who are reading The Pioneers, a special collection of Samuel P. Hildreth, the pioneer physician and scientist can be viewed.
General Rufus Putnam – led the movement west alongside other Revolutionary War Generals.
The highlight of my visit included a tour through the original Rufus Putnam House which has been enclosed in the museum. The home was part of the original civilian stockade. The guided tour takes you back to the late 18th century when the Putnam family lived in the cabin.
Before leaving for your next destination, make sure you check out the Land Office, the oldest building in the Northwest Territory, which is located behind the museum and by the museum parking. It was in the Land Office that General Rufus Putnam recorded war veterans land grants and titles. Maps and surveys were also recorded in this small structure full of history.
MY OHIO FUN ROAD TRIP NOTES:
If you are taking the Pioneer Trail, make the Campus Maritus Museum as one of your first stops. The chronological order of events on display gives trail goers a great foundation to the area’s history.
Before you go:
Visit marietta.org to view their Travel guide, request a FREE copy, and/or to check out their list of Itineraries.
Washington County Convention and Visitor Bureau
241 Front Street Suite 7, Marietta, Ohio 45750
740.373.5178 or 1.800.288.2577 | marietta.org
What to bring:
A camera. Always pack a cooler for those perishables you may find along the way. Bring appropriate shoes for any outdoor hiking or adventures.
Read the book:
The Heroic Story of the Settlers- THE PIONEERS by David McCullough.
A perfect book to read as you explore the history of Marietta and the pioneers who settled there.
PIONEER TRAIL STOPS
Campus Maritus Museum
601 Second St., Marietta, OH
740.373.3750 | mariettamuseums.org/campus-martius
Blennerhasset Island State Park
137 Juliana St., Parkersburg, WV
304-420-4800 | blennerhassettislandstatepark.com
CLICK HERE to learn more.
Belpre Farmers Castle Museum
509 Ridge St. Belpre, OH
740.423.7588
Children’s Toy and Doll Museum
206 Gilman Ave., Marietta, OH
740.373.5900
CLICK HERE to learn more.
Henderson Hall Plantation
517 Old River Rd., Williamstown, WV
304-375-2129 | hendersonhallwv.com
Henry Fearing House
131 Gilman Ave., Marietta, OH
740-373-9437
Hidden Marietta Tours
424 George St., Marietta, OH
740-590-1987 | hiddenmarietta.com
Historic Marietta Trolley Tours
241 Front St., Marietta, OH
740-350-9852 | Facebook
Ohio River Museum (2024 update. Temporarily closed for construction.)
601 Front St., Marietta, OH
740-2\2-3750 | mariettamuseums.com
Oliver Tucker Museum
401 5th St. Beverly, Ohio
740-509-0640 | olivertuckermuseum.com
CLICK HERE to learn more.
Peoples Mortuary Museum
408 Front St., Marietta, OH
740-373-1111 | cawleyandpeoples.com
Scott’s Super Adventures
Historic Marietta Segway Tours
740-516-0002
The Castle
418 Fourth St., Marietta, OH
740-373.-4180 | mariettacastle.org
CLICK HERE to learn more.
Valley Gem Sternwheeler Narrated Sightseeing Cruise
601 Front St., Marietta, OH
740-373-7862 | valleygemsternwheeler.com
Veterans Gallery
40 Orchard Dr., Little Hocking, Ohio
740-989-2271 | facebook.com/thomasstahlgalleryofarts
I would like to thank the Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau for being such a gracious host and planning all my itinerary.
Article and photos by: D. Rock, MyOhioFun.com
Any use of the above article or images without prior permission, will be in violation of copyright laws.
***Disclosure: The Washington County Convention & Visitors Bureau paid for my day of touring and overnight accommodations. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***
