Settlers were attracted by the fertile land near the Red River, which was conducive to agriculture and cattle raising.

William "Bill" Washington had the largest cattle ranch in Pickens County, Chickasaw Nation, Indian Territory.

A local story claims that the town was named for Jerry's wife, Marietta Love Washington.

[7] At the time of its founding, Marietta was located in Pickens County, Chickasaw Nation.

[8] The Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway (later the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway) laid its rail line in early 1887, stimulating economic growth for the future town of Marietta, Indian Territory.

The Love County Courthouse, one of four sites in the town listed on the NRHP, was the first built after statehood in Oklahoma and was completed in 1910.

There were 1,546 residents in the 1910 census, and the town was served by at least three banks, three churches and 24 retail establishments.

Months later the Chickasaw Nation bought the Siemens plant and rehired many of the former employees.

Marietta is located on State Highway 32 at the corner of junction U.S. Route 77 and is just east of Interstate 35.