Marietta began as an American Indian trade outpost in the early 1700s. It's first name was Anderson's Ferry, after a man by the name of James Anderson. Ultimately, part of Anderson's farm became a town known as Waterford.

Marietta was originally four separate settlements, Waterford, New Haven, Moravian Town and Irishtown, which over time merged into the town of Marietta. The borough was chartered in 1812; however, the final settlement of Irishtown did not become part of Marietta until 150 years later.

The Susquehanna River was an integral part of Marietta's economic development. Early on, lumber was the major part of its industry. Every spring raw timber was sent down the Susquehanna River from central Pennsylvania forests to Marietta for processing. Consequently, most of the early homes in Marietta are constructed of wood frame and clapboard siding. In 1814, the landowners in Marietta included lumber merchants, carpenters, joiners and cooper smiths, a testimony to the lumber industry. In addition, there were pilots, ferrymen, tavern keepers, distillers/brewers and a pastor.

The Pennsylvania Canal was built between 1825 and 1830 along the Susquehanna River. With the canal came more trade, which in turn, brought entrepreneuers to Marietta. These entrepreneuers were key to its early cultural and economic development. The houses of some of these entrepreneuers still remain today. For example, Dr. Samuel Houston's former home is located at 214 West Market Street. James Mehaffey's former home is located at 310 West Market Street. Next door is James Duffy's former home. Mr. Duffy hosted President Ulysses S. Grant at his home in 1880. Henry Musselman's former home is located at South Waterford Avenue and East Market Street.

Marietta's Town Hall was built in 1847. It has served many purposes over the years. In addition to being the government seat for the borough, it also served as a town hall, public school, jail and lodge headquarters. Today it is the site of the Marietta Restoration Associates' gift shop and the Marietta Museum. The Union Meeting House at North New Haven and West Walnuts Streets, built in 1817, was the location of most of Marietta's Protestant churches.

The iron-smelting industry fueled the local economy from the late 19th century into the 20th century. This was possible due to a nearby hematite deposit. Many of the ironmasters' houses are located along Route 441, east of Marietta. Other industries were also part of Marietta's economy, such as felt helts, soft drinks, hollowware and enamel, silk, concrete, shoes and cigars.

Marietta is now home to quaint bed and breakfast inns and restaurants. Its relaxed atmosphere and rich history are what attracts visitors today.