History is for Everyone

OH, USA

Ohio and Muskingum River Confluence

Landmark

The point where the Muskingum River empties into the Ohio River — the specific location chosen by Rufus Putnam and the Ohio Company as the site for their settlement. The confluence offered multiple advantages: two navigable rivers providing access to the interior, a defensible peninsula between the rivers, and visibility up and down the Ohio. The first American settlers landed near this point on April 7, 1788. Today the confluence is visible from the Harmar Village area and from the Ohio River waterfront.

Visiting Today

Address

Confluence of Ohio and Muskingum Rivers, Marietta, OH 45750

Connected Events

Jul 1787
Northwest Ordinance Enacted

Reverend Manasseh Cutler, Ephraim Cutler

Oct 1787
Ohio Company Land Purchase Completed

Reverend Manasseh Cutler, Winthrop Sargent, Ephraim Cutler

Apr 1788
First Ohio Company Settlers Arrive at the Confluence

Brigadier General Rufus Putnam, General Arthur St. Clair, Israel Putnam, Persis Rice Putnam

Jul 1788
Campus Martius Fortification Constructed

Brigadier General Rufus Putnam, Israel Putnam, Persis Rice Putnam

Jan 1791
Big Bottom Massacre

General Arthur St. Clair

Nov 1791
Aug 1794
Battle of Fallen Timbers Ends the Frontier War

Brigadier General Rufus Putnam, Israel Putnam, Persis Rice Putnam

Jan 1797
Muskingum Academy Established (Later Marietta College)

Reverend Manasseh Cutler, Ephraim Cutler