Washington County Courthouse Motifs – Marietta, Ohio - Atlas Obscura
What's near me?

Washington County Courthouse Motifs

Marietta, Ohio

Dozens of striking Indian symbols cover the second-floor hallways of this rural courthouse. 

View all photos
The entire second floor features this eye-catching symbol. rbt45769 (Atlas Obscura User)
The entire second floor features this eye-catching symbol. rbt45769 (Atlas Obscura User)
These Indian motifs are a part of the tile floor inside the courthouse. rbt45769 (Atlas Obscura User)
Intricate tile work exists throughout the second floor of the courthouse. rbt45769 (Atlas Obscura User)
A closeup of the motifs. rbt45769 (Atlas Obscura User)
A sign differentiating between the Indian motif and the German swastika. rbt45769 (Atlas Obscura User)
The Washington County Court House sits at the corner of Second and Putnam Streets in Marietta, Ohio. rbt45769 (Atlas Obscura User)
Another view looking down at the second floor. rbt45769 (Atlas Obscura User)
On ornate skylight helps to illuminate the area. rbt45769 (Atlas Obscura User)
40
109
Top Places in Marietta
The recently restored W. P. Snyder.
Ohio River Museum
Marietta, Ohio
Campus Martius Museum
Marietta, Ohio
B&O Harmar Bridge
Marietta, Ohio
 See All
This entry is a stub
Help improve Atlas Obscura by expanding Washington County Courthouse Motifs with additional information or photos.

While the exterior of this Marietta courthouse is striking, the Indian motifs incorporated into the design of the second-floor hallways are even more so. Visitors may at first be taken aback, as the symbols in the mosaic floor tile resemble the Nazi swastika. In fact, as a notice in the courthouse clarifies, these motifs are an inverted version of the German swastika, and held symbolic meaning in India and other cultures long before the rise of the Third Reich, often representing good luck. 

Know Before You Go

This courthouse is easy to find in downtown Marietta. It is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. There is no screening at the main entrance, but a sign says all visitors are subject to search. The employees are probably used to visitors taking photos by now.

mosaics nazis culture design architecture
Community Contributors
rbt45769
Added By
rbt45769
p
Edited by
piratejimslove
Edit this listing
Make an Edit Add Photos
  • Washington County Courthouse Fascebook.
Nearby
B&O Harmar Bridge
0.30 miles
The Mound Cemetery
0.33 miles
Campus Martius Museum
0.52 miles
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Near This Place
Marietta, Ohio

B&O Harmar Bridge

This historic Ohio bridge is adorned with fanciful locks left behind by loving couples.
Marietta, Ohio

The Mound Cemetery

At the center of this cemetery stands a 2,000-year-old burial mound of the Adena culture.
Marietta, Ohio

Campus Martius Museum

Home to several unusual artifacts, including a huge painting of George Washington.
Marietta, Ohio

Ohio River Museum

One of the few places where you can explore a 1918 paddlewheel steamboat from stem to stern.
Related Places
Kawasaki, Japan

Kawaramachi Housing Complex

This Metabolist, retro-futuristic residential complex resembles a cyberpunk space colony established on Earth.
Frankfurt, Germany

IG Farben Haus

From Nazi chemicals to the CIA, this architectural marvel has played a fascinating role in German history.
Cairo, Egypt

Al-Andalus Garden

A preserved oasis with traditional Andalusian-style architecture and beautiful views of the Nile.
New York, New York

Venetian Room

This lavish room at NYC's French Embassy is a rare relic from the end of the Gilded Age.
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
From Around the Web