Ohio's Admission as the 17th State of the United States
1803 · Chillicothe, United States
Ohio was admitted as the 17th state of the United States, although the official act of Congress recognizing the date was not passed until 1953.
Establishment of Marietta, Ohio - April 7, 1788
On April 7, 1788, a significant event in American history unfolded as pioneers established Marietta, Ohio, marking the first permanent settlement in the Northwest Territory of the newly formed United States. This event was a pivotal moment in the westward expansion of the United States following the American Revolutionary War.
Context and Background
The Northwest Territory was created by the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, a landmark piece of legislation that established a structured process for territories to achieve statehood. This ordinance was crucial in expanding the United States beyond the original thirteen colonies and set a precedent for the orderly expansion of the nation.
The territory encompassed land that would eventually become the states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and part of Minnesota. The ordinance also included provisions for civil liberties and prohibited slavery in the territory, setting a significant precedent for future states.
The Founding of Marietta
The settlement of Marietta was spearheaded by the Ohio Company of Associates, a group of Revolutionary War veterans and New England investors. The company was formed to purchase land in the Northwest Territory and promote settlement. General Rufus Putnam, a prominent figure in the company and a former officer in the Continental Army, led the expedition to establish the settlement.
On April 7, 1788, Putnam and a group of 48 pioneers, including veterans and their families, arrived at the confluence of the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers. They named the settlement Marietta in honor of Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France, acknowledging France’s support during the American Revolution.
Significance and Impact
The establishment of Marietta was a landmark in American history for several reasons:
Gateway to the West: Marietta served as a gateway for further westward expansion, encouraging more settlers to move into the Northwest Territory and beyond.
Model Settlement: The town was planned with a grid layout, reflecting the orderly approach advocated by the Northwest Ordinance. This model influenced the development of future towns and cities in the region.
Cultural and Economic Hub: Marietta quickly became a cultural and economic hub in the region, fostering trade and interaction between settlers and Native American tribes.
Legal and Social Precedents: The settlement adhered to the principles of the Northwest Ordinance, which included the establishment of public education and the prohibition of slavery, laying the groundwork for future states’ governance.
Aftermath
The successful establishment of Marietta paved the way for further settlements in the Northwest Territory. It demonstrated the viability of the United States’ expansionist policies and the potential for growth beyond the original states. The settlement also highlighted the challenges and opportunities of frontier life, influencing American culture and identity.
In summary, the founding of Marietta, Ohio, on April 7, 1788, was a foundational moment in the westward expansion of the United States, embodying the aspirations and challenges of a young nation seeking to grow and prosper.