DERN HISTORIC VALUES Established in 1788 as the gateway to the Northwest Territory, Marietta is the historic anchor of Washington County. Situated in the Mid-Ohio Valley, the region balances its legacy as “Ohio’s First City” with a modern economic engine. Jesse Roush, President and CEO of the Southeastern Ohio Port Authority, explains that the local identity is defined by a deep-rooted Midwest culture. “We see many family groups that have been here for multiple generations,” Roush says. “You recognize local family names on our road signs, and that shows how much we value the family unit and our shared heritage.” This sense of continuity creates a unique environment where six public school districts function as vital community hubs. Because the 148 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02
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