Formed January 1, 1785 (14th county)
Marion County (29,187), Marion (6,445)
The Greek Revival courthouse was constructed in 1853. It is on Main Street between Dozier and Godbold streets. Main Street is United States Highway 501 Business in the town. Robert Mills designed the gray stone and stucco courthouse. The building was renovated in 1929 and 1977. It features columns and veteran memorials across the street. The county was formed on January 1, 1785 from Georgetown County as the 14th county. Marion County and its county seat were named for Revolutionary War General Francis Marion. Marion County is the birthplace for 1 South Carolina Governor, William H. Ellerbe.
Marion County government consists of a sheriff and 7 Council Members. One Circuit Court Judges and Four Family Court Judges serve Marion and Florence counties. Marion County is in eastern South Carolina. Charleston, South Carolina is south and Columbia, South Carolina is west of the county. The county center is 7.9 miles Southeast of Marion nearer Rains. The county is surrounded clockwise by Dillon, Horry, Georgetown, Williamsburg, and Florence counties.
The area of the county is 494 square miles. It is 36 out of 46 in the state. It ranks 31 out of 46 in population in the state. It has a density of 59.1 persons per square mile making it 26 out of 46 in the state. Marion County has 37.2% of its population in its incorporated areas. Interstate Highway 95 cuts the northern tip of the county from Dillon County, east, to Florence County, west. United States Highway 76 crosses east to west from Horry County to Florence County. United States Highway 301 enters from Dillon County, east, and joins United States Highway 76 into Florence County. United States Highway 378 clips the southern tip from Horry County to Florence County, east to west. United States Highway 501 comes from Dillon County, east, and goes to Horry County, southeast. The county is shaped like a tornado cloud. The City of Marion is in the northern third of the county. Marion is the county seat and the largest city. It is 22.1% of the county population.
Marion
Mullins
Nichols
Sellers
