Marion

Marion, city, seat (1824) of Marion county, north central Ohio, U.S., approximately 45 miles (70 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 American Revolutionary War fame, it was incorporated as a village in 1830. Industrial development began in 1863 when Edward Huber, a German mechanic, founded a farm equipment factory there. The community soon became preeminent in the manufacture of excavating machinery (the leading industry until the 1990s). The steam shovel was introduced in 1874 and earned Marion the title “Shovel City.”

Varied manufactures now include conveying and handling equipment, signposts, diapers, automobile and truck parts, packaging, household appliances, computer software, 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 (1957) is also in the city.

Warren G. Harding 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 U.S. president. His home (1891) on Mt. Vernon Avenue is preserved as a museum, and the Harding Memorial contains the president’s tomb and that of his wife, Florence. Delaware Lake State Park is 14 miles (23 km) south. Inc. city, 1890. Pop. (2000) 35,318; (2010) 36,837.