Stepping Through Marietta to the Willow Island Locks

Marietta’s Early Foundation’s

Situated at the confluence of the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers, Marietta claims the distinction of being the oldest officially recognized settlement in the Northwest Territory. Founded in 1788, it quickly became a gateway for those journeying westward from the original 13 colonies.

Seen as a pivotal starting point for America’s westward expansion, Marietta’s story offers insights into the early days of the fledgling nation. Its establishment was spearheaded by the Ohio Company of Associates, a group of Revolutionary War veterans committed to securing new opportunities and lands in the western frontier.

Tribute to a French Ally

Marietta’s name pays tribute to Marie Antoinette, a gesture of appreciation for France’s critical support during the American Revolutionary War. Beyond being a fresh start for settlers, Marietta served as a strategic refuge, equipped with fortifications like Campus Martius to protect against potential conflicts with Native American tribes. Over time, this settlement evolved into a thriving hub of commerce, culture, and innovation.

The Lafayette Hotel: A Heritage Landmark

Set amidst Marietta’s historic streets, the Lafayette Hotel offers more than just accommodation; it serves as a window into the town’s past. Built in 1918, shortly after the devastating 1913 flood, the hotel stands as a testament to Marietta’s resilience and renewal. Its classic design and vintage interiors reflect the spirit of the early 20th century, with artifacts and photographs that capture pivotal moments in the town’s history.

Historical Comfort with a View

The Lafayette’s charm extends beyond its architecture. Staying in rooms like the Queen Room, where sweeping views of the Ohio River unfold, allows guests to immerse themselves in the town’s riverine legacy. The intricate details of the hotel’s decor evoke the elegance of a bygone era while providing a comfortable retreat that stays true to its roots.

A Living Part of Marietta’s Story

Today, the Lafayette Hotel remains an active part of the community, hosting local events and gatherings that connect Marietta’s past with its present. It’s not just a preserved relic but a living space where history and modern life coexist, making it a key part of Marietta’s ongoing narrative.

Transitioning from the Past to the River

After enjoying the historic ambiance of the Lafayette Hotel, we stepped out into Marietta’s vibrant streets. Stepping behind the Lafayette Hotel we followed the walking path along the river that led directly to our next adventure—the Valley Gem Sternwheeler.

This short walk offered a perfect opportunity to absorb the town’s connection to its waterways, with the river guiding us to the docks where the Valley Gem awaited.

Marietta’s Bridges and Locks

A short stroll from the Lafayette Hotel leads to the iconic Harmar Railroad Bridge, a testament to early 20th-century engineering. Currently under consideration for restoration, this historic bridge showcases a unique manually operated crank system.

In its prime, adjusting the bridge required the strength of about 15 men, who would work together to rotate the crank and rotate a portion of the bridge, allowing taller boats to pass through. This mechanical marvel highlights the ingenuity and determination of the people who built our towns.

Locks of Love and Rowing Traditions

Just beside the Harmar Railroad Bridge stands a unique local attraction known as the Love Lock Tree. This metal tree invites visitors to partake in a global tradition—attaching padlocks as symbols of their love and commitment.

A short walk from the tree brings you to the historic Lockmaster’s House, once the residence of the individual responsible for managing the locks that controlled river traffic. Today, this building has been repurposed and serves as the headquarters for the Marietta Rowing & Cycling Club, blending Marietta’s past with its present-day community activities.

Monuments and Museums: Keepers of History

As you continue your walk, you’ll reach Muskingum Park, a serene green space that houses the Start Westward Monument, crafted by Gutzon Borglum, the same artist behind Mount Rushmore. This monument serves as a tribute to Marietta’s critical role in America’s westward expansion, symbolizing the town’s place in shaping the nation’s early frontier history.

Further along, the Ohio River Museum awaits, currently undergoing renovations to better preserve its collection. One of its highlights is the W.P. Snyder Jr., a historic steam-powered towboat and one of the few remaining examples of its kind in the United States, offering a tangible link to the era of riverine commerce and transportation.

The Valley Gem Sternwheeler: Willow Island Lock and Lunch Cruise

A stone’s throw away, the Valley Gem Sternwheeler welcomes visitors, offering a variety of daily cruises that showcase the beauty and history of the region’s waterways. We boarded this renowned vessel for the Willow Island Lock and Lunch Cruise, eager to experience a piece of Marietta’s past firsthand. Now in its 50th year, the Valley Gem stands as a living testament to Marietta’s deep-rooted connection to its river heritage, having gracefully navigated the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers for half a century.

Culinary Delights and Scenic Views

The day’s itinerary offered a delightful blend of scenic river vistas, impressive engineering, and a satisfying lunch buffet. Shortly after the cruise set off, the buffet was served, featuring a variety of dishes including vegetable lasagna, roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, and freshly baked bread rolls alongside a crisp salad. We shared the meal with about 75 other passengers, all of us enjoying the ever-shifting river scenery as we ate.

Locking Through Time

About an hour and a half into our journey along the Ohio River, the towering silhouette of the Pleasant County Power Plant emerged against the serene river backdrop.

The most memorable moment came as the Valley Gem ascended 22 feet within the Willow Island Locks—a remarkable demonstration of engineering seamlessly interacting with the natural flow of the river.

Tales of the River

During the cruise, the captain kept us engaged with fascinating stories of Marietta’s rich riverine history. Central to these tales was the Muskingum River, which flows 112 miles before joining the Ohio River at Marietta.

This river was a pioneer in American waterway management, thanks to its innovative lock and dam system. This engineering achievement revolutionized steamboat travel, transforming previously shallow and seasonal waterways into reliable, year-round navigation channels. It marked a turning point in the development of river transport, playing a crucial role in the economic growth of the region.

Journey’s End

After the shared experience at Willow Locks, we went through the lock process in reverse, going down the 22 feet we had previously climbed. The trip back was the same route we’d come, but we looked at everything with fresh eyes, mindful of the amazing history and engineering feats we’d just witnessed.

Stepping off the Valley Gem and back onto Marietta’s historic docks around 4 p.m., we reflected on the seamless blend of past and present that the town offers—from the timeworn halls of the Lafayette Hotel to the dynamic river journey aboard the Valley Gem. It was clear we had experienced more than a mere trip on the water.

Tour Name: Stepping Through Marietta to the Willow Island Locks

Cruise Line/Ship: Valley Gem

Tour Operator: Valley Gem

Duration: Approx. 4 hours

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