Layout of Marietta dated 1788. (Photo provided from Marietta College Special Collections)

Marietta, Ohio was the first settlement (1788) in the first United States territorial expansion (Northwest Territory 1787) beyond the original thirteen states. You may not know that this complex and risky venture was organized by private enterprise. The Ohio Company of Associates (“Ohio Company”) investors put up the money to buy 1.5 Million acres in southeast Ohio from the Continental Congress.

Many early land companies were focused on profits for wealthy investors. Fraud and mismanagement were common. One shameful example was the Scioto Company which delivered fraudulent deeds to French immigrants headed to Gallipolis Ohio in 1790. The Ohio Company of Associates (“Ohio Company”) was different, founded with genuine concern for the well being of investors, veterans, employees, and residents. President Franklin Roosevelt in his 1938 Marietta speech praised the Ohio Company as …”an organized society, unafraid to meet temporary adventure, but serious in seeking permanent security for its (residents).”

–Fairness and ownership accessible to rich and poor: To avoid undue influence of a privilege few, no one could own more than 5 shares of the company. Land parcels distributed to investors were drawn by lot to insure fairness, and there was an appeal process if the land parcel you received was, say, a rocky hillside or a swampy area. The Ohio Company offered two major financial incentives to investors. First, they could use Continental currency, then almost worthless, at full value to buy shares. Second, Army bounty warrants (land grants for military service) were allowed as partial payment.

–Protection: On July 2, 1788, a Board of Police was established. Marietta was laid out in a compact grid, making it more easily defended. In September 1790 as Indian hostilities increased, the Ohio Company “Resolved unanimously, that in the present defenceless State of the settlements,… that at least 30 men be engaged for guards…”. In January, 1791, after the massacre at Big Bottom, the Ohio Company hired 60 militia soldiers for Marietta and outlying settlements. .

— Help for the needy: July 31, 1790, the Directors took steps to help the sick and indigent, noting that “Several Persons in the City are Sick & in absolute need of Relief…” Funds were allocated “for their Relief and recovery.” Territorial law set up “Overseer of the Poor” officials in each county and township to help indigent persons. The Ohio Company paid the expenses of a man injured while building a blockhouse, just like Workman’s Compensation today.

For more detail, scan the QR code. When the image appears, click on arrows at upper right of the image, then enlarge to see details.

— Teachers and Preachers: The Ohio Company Directors encouraged “Education of Youth and the Promotion of public Worship among the first Settlers…” Rev. Daniel Story was employed as a preacher in the spring of 1789. There were also numerous itinerant preachers. School was taught at all of the settlements. The Ohio Company provided the space and financial help.

— Preservation and beautification of Marietta’s Hopewell earthworks: “Public Squares” were designated to preserve the “Ancient works” (Indian Mounds). A committee was appointed on March 2, 1789. A plan was adopted for each square which included planting of elm, mulberry, honey locust, and evergreen trees; grass; and a “good Post and rail fence.”

— Encouragement of necessary businesses and services: The Ohio Company donated ground for the first brickyard, first tannery, first wharf, first pottery, and first brewery.

Archer Butler Hulbert, Professor of American History at Marietta College, captured the essence of The Ohio Company’s role: “The relationship of the Ohio Company of Associates to the first men and women of Ohio was uniquely unselfish and thoroughly American.” Remember the French 500 immigrants mentioned above who were cheated out of their land? The Ohio Company donated land, shelter, supplies, and transportation to settle them in Gallipolis. Truly a developer with heart.