Marion is a city located in Marion County, South Carolina. It was founded in 1798 and was named after General Francis Marion, a Revolutionary War hero known as the "Swamp Fox." The city played a significant role in the Civil War, serving as a supply depot and hospital center for the Confederacy.
Marion has been home to several notable individuals, including former South Carolina Governor John C. West and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Julia Peterkin.
The population of Marion has fluctuated over the years, reaching a peak of around 8,000 in the 1980s before declining to its current population of approximately 6,000.
Marion is located in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina, about 30 miles inland from the Atlantic Ocean. The city is situated along the Little Pee Dee River and is surrounded by farmland and forests.
Marion's economy is primarily based on agriculture, with crops such as tobacco, cotton, and soybeans being grown in the surrounding area. The city also has a growing healthcare sector, with several hospitals and medical facilities serving the community.
Marion has a rich cultural heritage, with a mix of African American, Native American, and European influences. The city is known for its traditional Southern hospitality and friendly community atmosphere.