Recent national recognitions for Marietta — the town and the College — underscore a broader trend in this place we call home. From local businesses and historic landmarks to a vibrant campus, Marietta is gaining renewed attention. While each recognition stands as an achievement on its own, together they point to years of sustained effort and investment, building on a legacy rooted in generations of Pioneers.
Marietta, Ohio was recently named the No. 1 Best Historical Small Town in the United States by Newsweek. After finishing outside the top 10 in 2024, Marietta soared to the top spot just one year later. Founded on April 7, 1788, it became the first permanent settlement in the Northwest Territory and the first city in Ohio.
Tucked into the hills of southeastern Ohio, Marietta is full of historical landmarks and features. Tourists can visit centuries-old businesses and experience historic architecture, such as The Castle, an 1856 Gothic Revival home, and The Anchorage, an 1859 Italianate villa. With these sites and more, Marietta has become an instant bucket list destination for history enthusiasts. Today, Marietta continues to draw visitors with its walkable brick streets, riverfront views, and thriving downtown.
So why now? In 2024, Ohio saw its visitor total increase by 3.5 million compared to 2023, which helped to generate billions in economic impact. Locally, Marietta’s downtown businesses have seen growth compared to years prior, due in large part to the increased riverboat traffic that took place in the summertime, which allowed for more foot traffic in the downtown area.
Beyond its historical charm, Marietta’s reputation for excellence stretches into higher education as well. Marietta College, located in the heart of the city, was recently ranked the No. 1 Best Value College in Ohio for 2026 by Niche.com. This accolade recognizes the College’s offerings of academic excellence, affordability, and hands-on learning opportunities. Chartered in 1835 as Marietta College, the intitution traces its roots back to 1797. The College has produced over 25,000 graduates in its rich history. Today, the private liberal arts institution offers more than 80 different majors, minors, and areas of concentration.
Post-graduation success is something Marietta College prides itself on. As Pioneers, we know that our College's value is measured not only by outstanding rankings, but by the futures that our graduates shape. Within one year of graduation, 97% of Marietta alumni are employed, and five years out, 95% remain employed—both figures well above the national average. At Marietta College, our students experience connection with dedicated mentors, hands-on learning that prepares them for careers, and a community that feels like home.
Marietta is a community that, for the last two centuries, has built a strong reputation based on history and resilience. Marietta College is no different; not only have we taken on the same reputation as the city we call home, but we have also built our legacy on empowering students to make meaningful impacts and lead with purpose. In Marietta, Ohio, history and opportunity not only meet, but intersect to shape a community unlike any other.