Byway Feature

The Ohio River Museum has three buildings that feature a variety of exhibits depicting the golden era of the steamboat. Outside the museum on the Muskingum River, is the W.P. Snyder Jr. the last intact steam-powered, stern-wheeled towboat in the United States. Outside you will also find a full-scale reproduction of a flatboat and the Tell City pilothouse. The museum is located at the intersection of Front and St. Clair Streets in Marietta.  

Marietta was named to honor Marie Antoinette, the French Queen who supported the Americans in the war against Great Britain. Marietta became the seat of government for the territory. Drawing pioneers wishing to purchase land, it soon became known as the Gateway to the Northwest. On the left is the Start Westward Monument which is located in East Muskingum Park. The sculptor was Gutson Borglum mostly known for his famous sculptor of the presidents at Mount Rushmore.

Marietta battled Chillicothe for statehood in 1803. These two pioneer cities of the pre-statehood frontier were the active seats of early political debates for statehood. Chillicothe became the first capitol for the new state of Ohio, but Marietta was the main point of crossing for the migration of people to the new frontier.
In 1811 the steamboat appeared on America’s rivers, and Washington County became a major riverboat community, with busy steamboat building yards. In the mid-l800’s the county enjoyed another economic boom with the development of the oil and gas industry. People also began moving into the city from the farms. Our museums and libraries are important resources for those interested in history and genealogy and are a must see when coming to this region. Enjoy our history through our unique and nationally famous museums.