Friday marks the 225th anniversary of the passage of the Northwest Ordinance, a day most people will mark without stopping to think of its meaning.
But we hope those are able attend a special program at 11 a.m. in Muskingum Park to mark the occasion.
When the ordinance was passed in 1787 it not only opened up western land for development but it also paved the way for advancements in education and civil rights, and prohibited slavery.
It set the developing nation on a path to things that many of us take for granted today, but shouldn't. They're things that many places in the world still don't have.
The history of this area at that time is as interesting as the broader picture of what was happening as the United States became settled.
Those who aren't as familiar with the details should take a few minutes Friday to look up the history of Marietta, of Ohio and the Northwest Ordinance.
It's an important anniversary, for those aware of the significance and for those who never question where their freedoms come from.
