In this edition of Know Ohio, we explore the Start Westward Memorial of Marietta.
Sitting in Muskingum Park in Marietta, this memorial depicts the 'Start Westward of the United States' and commemorates the creation of the Northwest Ordinance.
The statue, created by the same sculptor that created Mount Rushmore, was dedicated on July 8th, 1937, by Franklin D. Roosevelt.
The statue stands as a staple of Marietta, but the statue itself is becoming damaged as the years pass.
"The City of Marietta is trying to preserve it. Unfortunately, it's made out of local sandstone, and the statue is turning into a pile of sand." Harley Noland, Marietta City Councilman said.
The city plans on creating a bronze replica to replace the original, but some are opposed to this plan. They don't want the original to be fully destroyed, while the city is planning on moving the original to a climate-controlled building for protection.
But for now, the statue sits where it has for the last 87 years.
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