The Castle – Marietta Ohio
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The Castle
418 Fourth St., Marietta, OH
740-373-4180 | mariettacastle.org
Admission
You ask anyone in Marietta, what should you visit when touring the area and you will probably hear “visit The Castle”.
This 1855 Gothic Revival home is the show piece on Fourth Street in Downtown Marietta. Although 4th Street is lined with beautiful homes, which makes for a delightful walk, The Castle is the centerpiece. Prior to the castle being built, potter Nathaniel Clark leased the land for his pottery manufacturing.
The day of my visit there was archaeological excavation happening on the site.
Around 1855, for $10,000, attorney Melvin Clark purchased the two lots and built the Gothic Revival home. The carriage house followed a few years later. Since then, five families lived in the home until 1974, when the property was purchased at an auction by a brother and sister, who would for next 17 years spend time renovating this grand home. The siblings never lived in the home, and upon their death the property became part of the Betsey Mills Corporation.
The furnishings in home include some original home pieces, as well as Victorian pieces from around Marietta. Like all Victorian homes, areas where guests would be entertained, they used the highest quality woods, pine would be used in areas not frequented by guests. The bedrooms highlight examples of this.
Included in the tour is the home of Nathanial Clark. In the restoration of the fireplace a unique feature was discovered. I will let you discover it when you visit.
Pictures inside the home are not permitted.
My Ohio Fun Road Trip Notes
Tours are guided, starting at the Carriage House, which is where you will find The Castle’s Visitor Center. Before you begin your tour a short video of the history of the property will be played for you.
During the holiday season the home is decorated for the season.
The museum is open seasonally from April – December. Hours vary. The Castle does have steps but offers a wheelchair option for the first floor and special parking in the rear.
In May, the Historic Marietta Tour of Homes takes place. The perfect opportunity to slip into homes not usually open to the public.
Additional events are also planned including local Mound cemetery tours. (Check their website for an updated event list.)
Allow time to stroll the neighborhood and view all the beautiful homes.
Another suggested stop would be the Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption.
506 4th Street, Marietta, OH 45750
740.373.3643 | stmarysmarietta.org
The church has quite a history in Marietta and the beautiful stain glass windows and artwork are well worth a stop.
Excerpt from the St. Mary’s website:
“The most dramatic episode in the parish’s history occurred on June 13, 2013, when Pope Francis approved a decree establishing St. Mary’s as the 76th basilica in the United States, recognizing its historic significance and artistic splendor. As a basilica, St. Mary’s shares a special relationship with the See of Rome and the Holy Father.” Learn more about the history here.
I would like to thank Harley, owner of Historic Marietta Trolley Tours for giving me a private tour of this beautiful church.
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
CLICK HERE to learn more.
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 | facebook.com/childrenstoyanddollmuseum
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
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 for more info.
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.***
