Marion County has strong ties to Revolutionary War history. The county and county seat’s namesake, Francis Marion, was a Revolutionary War general called the “Swamp Fox.” Additionally, a number of small Revolutionary War battles, including ones led by Marion himself, took place in the county.
The region was initially settled by the English, who traveled to the area via the Great Pee Dee River in the 18th century. In 1785, the area was first named Liberty County and existed within the Georgetown District. However, in 1800 the area separated from the Georgetown District and turned into the Marion District. The county became smaller in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as land previously belonging to Marion County became part of Florence and Dillon counties.
Since the 20th century, Marion County has been known for its cultivation of tobacco. However, in more recent years manufacturing has begun to have a larger presence in the economy.
Major Industrial Employers. Accessed June 09, 2016. marioncountysc.com
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While the town of Marion was not physically damaged by the Civil War, the town’s economy suffered a major blow due to the war, and Reconstruction. In the early 1900’s, the town experienced a major...
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Artist in residence Bill Nelson performs a one man act at the Old Town Hall and Opera House. Marion County’s Old Town Hall and Opera House was completed in 1892, and served multiple purposes: police...
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In this segment, Joanna Angle briefly discusses the history, and architectural features of some of Marion’s historic homes: The Grove, and Rosewood Manor. Homeowner Tom Griggs, who currently owns...
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In the final segment on Marion, Joanna Angle briefly discusses the plant known as Spanish Moss, a significant symbol of Southern lifestyle, and the antebellum past.
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The town of Marion is seen as an amalgamation of the business of living, the joy of living, and culture. Joanna Angle discusses the early history of Marion, South Carolina. The area is named “Marion”...
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Workers harvest sugar yams in Marion County during the 1930s. Courtesy of the South Caroliniana Library.
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Gwen Bristow (1903-1980) was a widely-read South Carolina novelist who published historical works drawn from her southern heritage and travel. Born the daughter of a Baptist minister in Marion, she...
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The Pee Dee area was originally home to the Pee Dee Indians. Due to the abundant wildlife, this area is very popular with hunters and fishermen. The Great Pee Dee is just one of the rivers that...
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The Grove is a bed and breakfast located in the heart of Marion, South Carolina. This Eastlake-style manor home offers guests a chance to get away or get their hands dirty, depending on the mood. The...
