After some deliberation the lands lying along the Ohio, on both sides of, but mainly below, the Muskingum, were chosen for the site of the new colony.

There was some delay in making the payments subsequent to the first, and only a million and some odd acres were patented.

One of the reasons for choosing the mouth of the Muskingum as the site for the town was the neighborhood of Fort Harmar, with its strong Federal garrison, and the spot was but a short distance beyond the line of already existing settlement.
Founding of Marietta.
As soon as enough of the would-be settlers were ready, they pushed forward in parties towards the headwaters of the Ohio, struggling along the winter-bound roads of western Pennsylvania.

In January and February they began to reach the banks of the Youghioghany, and set about building boats to launch when the river opened.

There were forty-eight settlers in all who started down stream, their leader being General Rufus Putnam.