In the November 2017 issue of Ohio Magazine, Marietta will be recognized as one of the five best hometowns in the publications 12th annual “Ohio’s Best Hometowns” edition.
“Judy and I, as well as our dog Fuzzy, have lived in Marietta for more than a year now, and it didn’t take us long to realize what an amazing hometown our community is,” said Dr. William N. Ruud, Marietta College’s President. “This is a beautiful and safe community. Where you get to know your neighbors well, and newcomers to the area are welcomed immediately.”
Editors of the magazine evaluated the state’s nominees in six categories — Community Spirit, Education, Entertainment, Health and Safety, Business Environment and Culture and Heritage — to help finalize the selections.
Marietta is home to the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival, Marietta Sweet Corn Festival and a thriving downtown. There are also dozens of performances at the Peoples Bank Theatre, as well as student performances at Marietta College’s Hermann Fine Arts Center.
Many historical sites have been beautifully preserved within Marietta and Washington County, reminding residents and visitors that America’s westward expansion began in this riverboat town. Marietta remains a political and cultural center, and many tourists visit each year to find out about the city’s important place in Ohio’s early history.
Pulitzer Prize-winning author David McCullough, who authored John Adams, 1776 and The Wright Brothers, has discovered the rich history of Marietta by doing research for his latest book at Marietta College’s Special Collections in the Legacy Library.
“Three of the five Best Hometown winners this year are Main Street communities in Ohio, and it can’t be understated the power of a thriving downtown to set the stage for a community,” said Cristie Thomas, Executive Director of Marietta Main Street. “We are so proud of Marietta for winning this honor and are excited to see all of the good that comes to our town from this title.”