Marion County, South Carolina

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Mt._Olive_Baptist_Church,_301_Church_St.,_Mullins,_South_Carolina

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Marion County is a county located in the state of South Carolina, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was 29,183. The county seat is Marion. The county was created in 1785 and was named for Francis Marion, a Brigadier General from South Carolina in the American Revolutionary War.

History

Marion County was originally part of Georgetown District. It was named Liberty County in 1785, but the name was changed to Marion County in 1798 in honor of General Francis Marion. The county has a rich history, including its role in the American Civil War and its agricultural development in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 494 square miles (1,280 km²), of which 489 square miles (1,270 km²) is land and 5.3 square miles (14 km²) (1.1%) is water. The county is part of the Pee Dee region of South Carolina.

Adjacent counties

• Dillon County - north
• Horry County - east
• Georgetown County - south
• Williamsburg County - southwest
• Florence County - west

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 29,183 people, 11,405 households, and 7,512 families residing in the county. The population density was 59.6 people per square mile (23.0/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 42.5% White, 54.2% Black or African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.4% Asian, and 2.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.5% of the population.

Economy

The economy of Marion County has traditionally been based on agriculture, particularly tobacco, cotton, and soybeans. In recent years, the county has diversified its economy to include manufacturing and services. The county is also working to promote tourism, leveraging its historical sites and natural beauty.

Education

Marion County is served by the Marion County School District. The district operates several elementary, middle, and high schools. Higher education is available at nearby institutions such as Francis Marion University and Coastal Carolina University.

Communities

Cities

• Marion
• Mullins

Towns

• Sellers

Unincorporated communities

• Centenary
• Gresham
• Rains

Notable People

• Francis Marion - The county's namesake, a Brigadier General in the American Revolutionary War.
• Hugh Leatherman - A prominent politician in South Carolina.

See also

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Marion County, South Carolina
• List of counties in South Carolina