It was intended that this ordinance, now called the Northwest Ordinance, should stipulate that in the whole of the territory there would be absolute freedom of religion and particular emphasis on education, matters New Englanders considered fundamental to a just and admirable society.
-- David McCullough ("The Ohio Country")

Importance: This quote reveals McCullough's thesis in much of the book which posits that the creation of the state of Ohio as part of the Northwest Ordinance was motivated by strong feelings of idealism. The cause of freedom combined with that of education together become important not only to those responsible for the passing of the Northwest Ordinance but also the settlers who go on to form the Marietta community.

As long and arduous as was so much of the journey, there had been no loss of life, nor, as plainly evident, no loss of spirit.
-- David McCullough ("Forth to the Wilderness")

Importance: This statement reveals that the initial settlers in Marietta experienced true joy...