Marion

Marion, 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. (2000) 35,475; (2010) 33,062.