Old Northwest Collection

Marietta on the Ohio River, 1870s
Steamboats on the Ohio River at Marietta, Ohio, 1870s. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

PEXP2A-00057
Johnny Appleseed addressing a preacher among settlers of Ohio Territory. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

National Road route on an 1870s map of the US
NWI4712666 National Road route on an 1870s map of the US.; (add.info.: National Road route on an 1870s map of the US.); Photo © North Wind Pictures

Map showing center of US population moving westward along the National Road, 1790-1900
NWI4712731 Map showing center of US population moving westward along the National Road, 1790-1900.; (add.info.: Map showing center of US population moving westward along the National Road)

Pioneers moving west, early 1800s
Pioneers emigrating to the Mississippi Valley, early 1800s. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century Darley illustration

Ohio River bringing settlers to the Old Northwest
Pioneers on the Ohio River settling the old Northwest Territory, late 1700s. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

Settlers on the Ohio River
Flatboat of settlers descending the Ohio River, 1800s. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

Northwest Territory map
Map of the old Northwest Territory, 1787. Printed color lithograph of a 19th-century illustration

Settlement of Indianapolis, 1820
First settlers cabin in Indianapolis, Indiana, 1820. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

PEXP2A-00056
Johnny Appleseed planting apple trees in the Ohio wilderness. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

EXPL2A-00039
Map of the US in 1792, showing colonial claims on Oregon Territory. Printed color halftone of a 19th century illustration

EXPL2A-00041
Map of territorial growth of the United States from 1783-1867. Printed color lithograph of a 19th-century illustration

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Marietta on the Ohio River: A Pioneering Hub in the Old Northwest, 1870s. PEXP2A-00057. The Ohio River served as a vital artery, bringing settlers to the Old Northwest Territory in the early 1800s. Pioneers embarked on their journey westward, their dreams fueled by the promise of new opportunities. (Northwest Territory map) Settlers gathered at Marietta, the first permanent English-speaking settlement in the Old Northwest, established in 1788. PEXP2A-00056. As they settled along the banks of the Ohio River, they built homes, farms, and communities. Indianapolis, founded in 1820, was another bustling settlement in the Old Northwest. EXPL2A-00039. The spirit of progress and innovation was alive and well, with settlers eager to make their mark on the frontier. EXPL2A-00041. The Ohio River continued to play a crucial role, connecting these communities to each other and to the wider world. Join us as we explore the rich history of the Old Northwest, where the dreams of pioneers became a reality and the foundations of great American cities were laid.