Marietta

Situated on the east bank of the Susquehanna River, just north of Columbia, exists a suburban borough of Lancaster County called Marietta. Known for its rich historic charm and beautiful natural landscapes, modern day Marietta is teeming with personality, pride, and potential.

Founded in 1812, the incorporated borough of Marietta began as a successful industrial town fed by river traffic for iron foundries, lumber yards, and shingle factories. By the nineteenth century, the small suburb was nicknamed “Little Pittsburg” for its booming pig iron production and series of local taverns built to cater to traveling crews. Unfortunately, railroad use eventually lessened and the industry in Marietta began to change.

Luckily however, Marietta proved to be much more than just a transportation hub. In fact in 1882 Marietta physician D.M. Alexander utilized antibodies from a cow he infected with smallpox to produce a vaccine for humans. In just over a decade Alexander’s Lancaster County Vaccine Farm, became the largest in the world, producing more smallpox vaccines than all other vaccine establishments in the United States. Over the years Alexander’s original endeavor has evolved and undergone a series of new owners. Today, London pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline has added Marietta to its global network.

With a population of just around 3,000 people the modern day borough of Marietta maintains much of the quiet allure and historic construction it’s had since the late 1800’s. Less than 30 minutes from downtown Lancaster, this quaint town offers close proximity to the bustle of a city while still allowing for a picturesque outdoor experience in breathtaking locations like the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail, Chickies Rock Park, and even the Cherry Trees on Front Street. For many, the river represents a unique opportunity for a revival, with Marietta growing out of its industrial roots and into its own as an ideal destination for hikers, bikers, and nature buffs.

Ultimately however, preservation remains at the heart of Marietta. As a result, hundreds of homes and properties have been restored throughout the town to maintain the charm that’s been with the community for over 200 years.