Washington County Courthouse Motifs – Marietta, Ohio - Atlas Obscura
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Washington County Courthouse Motifs

Marietta, Ohio

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

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)
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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.

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  • Washington County Courthouse Fascebook.
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