Campus Martius Museum

Campus Martius Museum is a history museum located in Marietta, Ohio, dedicated to preserving and interpreting the early settlement of the Northwest Territory. The museum is situated on the original site of Campus Martius, a fortified community constructed by the Ohio Company of Associates in 1788. Its central feature is the Rufus Putnam House, the only surviving structure from the original fort, and it houses extensive collections related to Marietta's founding and Ohio's pioneer era.

History

The museum's history is intrinsically linked to the founding of Marietta, the first permanent American settlement in the Northwest Territory. The site was originally occupied by Campus Martius, a garrison built under the direction of Rufus Putnam and Manasseh Cutler to protect settlers following the American Revolutionary War. The Rufus Putnam House, constructed within the stockade, remained a private residence for generations. In the 20th century, led by local historical societies including the Marietta Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, efforts culminated in the property's acquisition and the museum's establishment in 1988. This development occurred alongside the creation of the adjacent Ohio River Museum, forming a key part of the historical interpretation in the region managed by the Ohio History Connection.

Exhibits and collections

The museum's permanent exhibits focus on the late 18th and early 19th centuries, detailing the journey of the Ohio Company of Associates and the establishment of the Northwest Territory. A centerpiece is the fully preserved Rufus Putnam House, furnished with period artifacts. Other significant displays include the **"**Ohio Company Land Office,**"** the oldest building in Ohio, which contains original survey maps and documents related to the Land Ordinance of 1785. The collection encompasses a wide array of pioneer tools, firearms, furniture, and personal items from families like the Putnams and Cutlers. The museum also features exhibits on subsequent regional development, including the Underground Railroad and the economic impact of the Ohio River and Muskingum River.

Architecture and location

The museum is a modern structure built around and incorporating the historic Rufus Putnam House. It is located at the confluence of the Ohio River and Muskingum River in downtown Marietta, Ohio, directly adjacent to Muskingum Park and the Ohio River Museum. The architectural design intentionally allows the 1788 house to remain in its original location, providing a direct physical connection to the site of Campus Martius. The location is part of the Marietta Historic District and is near other significant landmarks such as the Mound Cemetery and the Start Westward Memorial.

Educational programs and events

The museum offers a variety of educational initiatives for students, scholars, and the general public. These include guided tours, living history demonstrations, and hands-on workshops focusing on pioneer skills like blacksmithing and open-hearth cooking. It regularly hosts lecture series in partnership with Marietta College and the Washington County Public Library. Annual events include commemorations of Ohio Statehood Day and the founding of Marietta, as well as special exhibitions coordinated with institutions like the Cincinnati Museum Center. The museum also provides extensive resources for researchers interested in the Northwest Territory and early Ohio history.

Significance and recognition

The Campus Martius Museum is recognized as a vital institution for understanding the westward expansion of the United States following the Revolutionary War. The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a designated National Historic Landmark due to its association with Rufus Putnam and the settlement of the Northwest Territory. It forms an essential component of the historical narrative presented by the Ohio History Connection and is a key stop on the Ohio River Scenic Byway. The museum's preservation of the Rufus Putnam House and the **"**Ohio Company Land Office**"** provides an unparalleled tangible link to the very beginning of American governance in the Old Northwest.

Category:Museums in Ohio Category:History museums in the United States Category:National Historic Landmarks in Ohio Category:Marietta, Ohio Category:Museums established in 1988