đź“… Saturday, October 25, 2025
⏰ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
đź“Ť Meet at Marietta Borough Municipal Office, 111 East Market Street, Marietta, PA
Uncharted Lancaster invites you to lace up your walking shoes and uncover the fascinating stories of one of Lancaster County’s most historic river towns. Join retired history teacher and longtime Marietta resident Jeffrey Hudson for a 2-mile guided history hike through the charming streets and alleys of Marietta. Over 90 minutes to two hours, Hudson will bring Marietta’s past to life with tales that connect local landmarks to national history. 
What You’ll Discover
On this engaging walk, you’ll explore:
- The true origins of Marietta’s name and the town’s earliest days.
- How Marietta thrived as both a river and railroad town.
- The borough’s Civil War connections and even a presidential visit.
- Stories from the Underground Railroad that once ran through these very streets.
- The oldest continuously operating tavern in Lancaster County.
- A rare chance to step inside the 1848 Old Town Hall and explore its museum, courtesy of the Marietta Restoration Association.
- Curious local characters, including surprising links to early vaccine development in America.
Hudson’s deep knowledge and storytelling style promise to make history not only educational but unforgettable. As a former social studies teacher at Lampeter-Strasburg High School, Vice President of Marietta Borough Council, LNP columnist, and co-producer of the podcast History, Politics and Beer, Hudson knows how to blend facts, fun, and perspective into a lively walking tour. 
Event Details
- Distance: About 2 miles round trip.
- Duration: 90 minutes–2 hours (depending on Q&A).
- Terrain: Sidewalks with multiple street crossings, plus some of Marietta’s hilly side streets and alleys.
- Includes exclusive first-floor access to Marietta’s 1848 Old Town Hall.
- Weather: Rain or shine. (Severe weather cancellations will be made on-site.)
- Parking: Free on East Market Street and Front Street.
- Capacity: Limited to 20 participants.
- Cost: $20 per person.
Reserve Your Spot
Don’t miss this opportunity to see Marietta through the eyes of one of its greatest storytellers. Space is limited—and tickets will go fast!
Step into history. Explore the stories. Experience Marietta like never before.
Need More Marietta History?
Step back in time for a guided history hike with David Haneman on October 4th to explore the town’s 18th- and 19th-century industrial heritage. Known in its day as the “Pittsburgh of the East,” this little river town thrived on lumber and iron production that fueled the American Industrial Revolution and the westward expansion of the railroad.
Leading the way is David Haneman, President of Rivertownes PA, USA and longtime Marietta resident. With his deep knowledge of the town’s heritage and hands-on work restoring the Musselman/Vesta Iron Furnace Office, Haneman will bring to life the people, places, and industries that once made Marietta a center of commerce along the Susquehanna. Click here for more information about this event.