MARION

city, seat of Perry county, west central Alabama, U.S., near the Cahaba River. Settled in 1817, it was known as Muckle Ridge until renamed to honour Francis Marion, a soldier in the Revolutionary War who was known as the Swamp Fox. A resolution adopted by the Baptist State Convention meeting in Marion in 1845 separated the Baptists into Northern and Southern factions. Light industry is the economic mainstay. Judson College was founded in 1838, and Marion Military Institute was established in 1842. Nearby are the Talladega National Forest (Oakmulgee Division) and a U.S. fish hatchery. Pop. (1990) 4,211. county, eastern South Carolina, U.S. It is situated between the Little and Great Pee Dee rivers to the east and west, respectively; the rivers join at the county's southern tip. The county lies within the Coastal Plain and features generally flat terrain. Prior to European settlement the Pedee Indians lived in the forests and swamps. Marion county was established in 1785 as Liberty county; it was renamed in 1798 for American Revolutionary War officer Francis Marion. It was a cotton-growing region until the late 19th century, when depressed prices led farmers to plant tobacco instead. Tobacco growing, lumbering, and manufacturing (textile products, candy, and canned foods) are the basis of the economy. Marion, the county seat, and Mullins are the largest cities. Area 489 square miles (1,267 square km). Pop. (1990) 33,899; (1998 est.) 34,610. city, seat (1831) of Grant county, north central Indiana, U.S., on the Mississinewa River, 66 mi (97 km) northeast of Indianapolis. Settled in 1826, it was named for Gen. Francis Marion of the Revolutionary War. It developed as an agricultural town, but local oil and gas booms at the turn of the century attracted industry which continued after the wells ran out. Manufactures now include auto, radio, and television parts, and plastics, wire, glass, and foundry products. U.S. troops fought Miami Indians nearby at the Battle of Mississinewa in 1812. Salamonie and Mississinewa recreation areas are north of the city. Marion College was founded in 1920. Inc. 1889. Pop. (1990) 32,618. city, seat (1824) of Marion county, north central Ohio, U.S., 45 miles (72 km) north of Columbus. Laid out about 1820, it was first called Jacob's Well (for Jacob Foos, who dug for water there). Renamed in 1822 for Gen. Francis Marion of Revolutionary War fame, it was incorporated as a village in 1830. Industrial development began in 1865 when Edward Huber, a German mechanic, founded a farm equipment factory there. The community soon became preeminent in the manufacture of excavating machinery (now the leading industry). The steam shovel was introduced in 1874 and earned Marion the title Shovel City. Varied manufactures now include road construction, conveying and handling equipment, signposts, air-conditioning units, household appliances, and processed foods. Surrounding farms specialize in popcorn growing, and limestone quarries are nearby. Marion Technical College opened in 1971, and a campus of Ohio State University is also in the city. Warren G. Harding (18651923) was born on a farm in nearby Blooming Grove (then Corsica) and became the owner and publisher of the Marion Star in 1884 before entering state politics and later being elected as U.S. president. His home on Mt. Vernon Avenue is preserved as a museum, and the Harding Memorial contains the President's tomb and that of his wife, Florence. Inc. city, 1890. Pop. (1990) 34,075; (1994 est.) 34,611.