Marion County, West Virginia

Marion County is a county in the U.S. state of West Virginia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 56,205.[1] Its county seat is Fairmont.[2] The county was named in honor of General Francis Marion (ca. 1732–1795), known to history as "The Swamp Fox".

For counties with a similar name, see Marion County (disambiguation).

Marion County
County
Marion County Courthouse in Fairmont
Marion County Courthouse in Fairmont
Flag of Marion County
Flag
Official seal of Marion County
Seal
Map of West Virginia highlighting Marion County
Location within the U.S. state of West Virginia
Map of the United States highlighting West Virginia
West Virginia's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 39°31′N 80°14′W
Country United States
State West Virginia
FoundedJanuary 14, 1842
Named forFrancis Marion
SeatFairmont
Largest cityFairmont
Area
 • Total312 sq mi (810 km2)
 • Land309 sq mi (800 km2)
 • Water2.8 sq mi (7 km2)  0.9%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total56,205
 • Estimate 
(2021)
56,001 Decrease
 • Density180/sq mi (70/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district1st
Websitewww.marioncountywv.com

Marion County comprises the Fairmont, WV Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is part of the larger Morgantown–Fairmont, WV Combined Statistical Area.

History

The Adena and successor Hopewell cultures flourished in this area at one time. The region which includes the land now known as Marion County was sparsely occupied by Native Americans, if at all, in the late 18th century. Like much of the Ohio Valley, it had been depopulated by the Iroquois during the later Beaver Wars (1670–1700). Only a few abortive attempts to start European settlements upon the Monongahela River or its branches (such as that which gave its name to Dunkard Creek) are known prior to the French and Indian War. It was not until 1772 that any permanent settlements were made in this region.[3]

Marion County was created by an act of the Virginia Assembly on January 14, 1842, from parts of Monongalia and Harrison Counties. It was named after General Francis Marion, of American Revolutionary War fame, known to history as "The Swamp Fox".[4]

1852 was an eventful time in Marion County's history, starting with the great flood on Monday, April 5. Heavy rains the day before caused the Monongahela and West Fork Rivers to rise at rate of 5 feet per hour until Tuesday afternoon, when the water reached 43 feet above its normal level. The greatest damage was sustained on the West Fork, where over 40 houses and buildings were swept away and floated past Fairmont.[5]

The flood damaged the railroad, which was in the final stages of being completed. By June 23 the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad was completed, connecting Fairmont to the west and to large cities in the east like Baltimore. The railroad required the building of a bridge to cross the Monongahela River about 1 mile west of Fairmont. This was achieved by building a massive iron bridge spanning 650 feet and lifted 35 feet above the water.[5]

The third major event of the year 1852 was the completion of the Fairmont and Palatine suspension bridge, connecting Fairmont to what was then the town of Palatine. The bridge was built under the direction of James L. Randolph, assistant engineer of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, at a cost of about thirty thousand dollars.[5]

Marion was one of fifty Virginia counties that were admitted to the Union as the state of West Virginia on June 20, 1863, at the height of the Civil War. In the months that followed, West Virginia's counties were divided into civil townships, with the intention of encouraging local government. This proved impractical in the heavily rural state, and in 1872 the townships were converted into magisterial districts.[6] Marion County was divided into seven districts: Fairmont, Grant, Lincoln, Mannington, Paw Paw,[lower-roman 1] Union, and Winfield. In the 1980s, the historic magisterial districts were consolidated into three new districts: Middletown, Palatine, and West Augusta.[7]

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 312 square miles (810 km2), of which 309 square miles (800 km2) is land and 2.8 square miles (7.3 km2) (0.9%) is water.[8]

Major highways

Adjacent counties

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
185010,552—
186012,72220.6%
187012,107−4.8%
188017,19842.1%
189020,72120.5%
190032,43056.5%
191042,79432.0%
192054,57127.5%
193066,65522.1%
194068,6833.0%
195071,5214.1%
196063,717−10.9%
197061,356−3.7%
198065,7897.2%
199057,249−13.0%
200056,598−1.1%
201056,418−0.3%
202056,205−0.4%
2021 (est.)56,001[9]−0.4%
U.S. Decennial Census[10]
1790–1960[11] 1900–1990[12]
1990–2000[13] 2010–2020[1]

2020 census

As of the 2020 census, there were 56,205 people and 23,278 households residing in the county. There were 26,280 housing units in Marion. The racial makeup of the county was 90% White, 3.3% African American, 0.5% Asian, 0.25% Native American, 0.4% from other races, and 5.6% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 1.6% of the population.

Of the 23,278 households, 48.3% were married couples living together, 26.2% had a female householder with no spouse present, 19.5% had a male householder with no spouse present.The average household and family size was 2.89. The median age in the county was 40.4 years with 20.2% of the population under 18. The median income for a household was $55,094 and the poverty rate was 14.6%[14]

2010 census

As of the census of 2010, there were 56,418 people, 23,786 households, and 15,271 families living in the county.[15] The population density was 182.7 inhabitants per square mile (70.5/km2). There were 26,463 housing units at an average density of 85.7 units per square mile (33.1 units/km2).[16]

The racial makeup of the county was 94.3% white, 3.3% black or African American, 0.5% Asian, 0.2% American Indian, 0.2% from other races, and 1.5% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 0.9% of the population.[15] In terms of ancestry, 23.5% were German, 17.8% were Irish, 13.7% were American, 12.0% were English, and 10.3% were Italian.[17]

Of the 23,786 households, 27.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.5% were married couples living together, 11.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 35.8% were non-families, and 29.3% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.85. The median age was 41.0 years.[15]

The median income for a household in the county was $38,115 and the median income for a family was $49,046. Males had a median income of $38,948 versus $27,179 for females. The per capita income for the county was $20,752. About 11.3% of families and 16.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.0% of those under age 18 and 8.6% of those age 65 or over.[18]

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, there were 56,598 people, 23,652 households, and 15,515 families living in the county. The population density was 183 people per square mile (71 people/km2). There were 26,660 housing units at an average density of 86 units per square mile (33 units/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 95.10% White, 3.22% Black or African American, 0.20% Native American, 0.41% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.13% from other races, and 0.93% from two or more races. 0.70% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 23,652 households, out of which 26.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.40% were married couples living together, 10.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.40% were non-families. 28.90% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.34 and the average family size was 2.88.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 20.60% under the age of 18, 10.50% from 18 to 24, 26.40% from 25 to 44, 24.70% from 45 to 64, and 17.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 90.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.30 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $28,626, and the median income for a family was $37,182. Males had a median income of $29,005 versus $21,100 for females. The per capita income for the county was $16,246. About 11.70% of families and 16.30% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.30% of those under age 18 and 8.70% of those age 65 or over.

Politics

Marion County, like most counties in West Virginia, was historically Democratic, particularly in the latter half of the 20th century. From 1932 to 2008, the county only voted Republican in a presidential election once: for Richard Nixon in 1972 amidst a national landslide. However, like the rest of West Virginia, Marion County has trended heavily Republican in the 21st century, albeit at a somewhat slower pace than most of the state. In 2012, Republican Mitt Romney flipped the county for the first time since Nixon's victory, and it has voted Republican in each election since. In 2016 and 2020, Republican Donald Trump carried Marion County with more than 60% of the vote, with both performances the best ever for any Republican in the county.

United States presidential election results for Marion County, West Virginia[19]
Year Republican Democratic Third party
No. %No. %No. %
2020 16,300 63.18% 8,901 34.50% 598 2.32%
2016 14,668 62.77% 6,964 29.80% 1,735 7.43%
2012 12,054 55.93% 8,959 41.57% 540 2.51%
2008 11,501 48.45% 11,618 48.94% 621 2.62%
2004 12,150 48.23% 12,771 50.69% 273 1.08%
2000 9,972 43.60% 12,315 53.84% 586 2.56%
1996 6,160 27.86% 12,994 58.78% 2,953 13.36%
1992 6,380 25.32% 14,042 55.74% 4,772 18.94%
1988 9,229 38.87% 14,441 60.82% 72 0.30%
1984 13,106 48.50% 13,833 51.20% 81 0.30%
1980 10,952 41.37% 14,189 53.60% 1,330 5.02%
1976 10,391 36.86% 17,800 63.14% 0 0.00%
1972 16,095 57.57% 11,864 42.43% 0 0.00%
1968 10,177 34.78% 17,246 58.94% 1,838 6.28%
1964 7,707 25.90% 22,047 74.10% 0 0.00%
1960 14,138 44.12% 17,903 55.88% 0 0.00%
1956 16,112 49.88% 16,192 50.12% 0 0.00%
1952 14,979 42.96% 19,890 57.04% 0 0.00%
1948 11,201 35.72% 19,866 63.35% 290 0.92%
1944 11,584 39.64% 17,640 60.36% 0 0.00%
1940 13,349 38.82% 21,035 61.18% 0 0.00%
1936 11,403 35.15% 20,859 64.29% 181 0.56%
1932 12,638 42.89% 15,975 54.22% 851 2.89%
1928 16,088 60.34% 10,133 38.00% 442 1.66%
1924 12,167 50.56% 9,386 39.00% 2,513 10.44%
1920 11,494 55.23% 8,734 41.97% 583 2.80%
1916 4,443 42.81% 5,493 52.92% 443 4.27%
1912 1,625 17.23% 4,535 48.08% 3,273 34.70%

Communities

Cities

Towns

Magisterial districts
  • Middletown
  • Palatine
  • West Augusta

Census-designated places

Unincorporated communities

Notable people

Literary presence

In the 1632 series of science fiction novels, the fictional town of Grantville (closely modelled after real-life Mannington) and its environs were part of Marion County until the alien-caused space-time anomaly which sent it to 17th-century Thuringia. The county and its institutions are frequently mentioned in the course of the series, and writers interested in the series have held a number of "mini-cons" (miniature science fiction conventions) in Mannington.[21][22][23] Flint has stated, "The town of Grantville is very closely modeled on the actual town of Mannington. There are rules that I require everyone to follow when they write in the series. One of them is that it if it wasn’t in the town of Mannington in 2000, you can’t have it in Grantville. The one cheat I had to do was that I needed a power plant. The power plant is about 15 miles away, in a town called Granttown, so I just sorta moved it over. That’s the only real cheat.”[24]

See also

Footnotes
  1. Also spelled "Pawpaw" in early records.

References
  1. "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 4, 2022.
  2. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. Dunnington, George A. History and Progress of the County of Marion, West Virginia Fairmont, West Virginia: George A. Dunnington, Publisher, 1880; Chap. II: First Settlements
  4. "Marion County history sources". Archived from the original on June 21, 2012. Retrieved January 29, 2013.
  5. Dunnington, George (1880). History and Progress of the County of Marion, West Virginia. Fairmont, WV: George A. Dunnington. pp. 87–92.
  6. Otis K. Rice & Stephen W. Brown, West Virginia: A History, 2nd ed., University Press of Kentucky, Lexington (1993), p. 240.
  7. United States Census Bureau, U.S. Decennial Census, Tables of Minor Civil Divisions in West Virginia, 1870–2010.
  8. "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved July 30, 2015.
  9. "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2021". Retrieved September 4, 2022.
  10. "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 10, 2014.
  11. "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved January 10, 2014.
  12. "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 10, 2014.
  13. "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved January 10, 2014.
  14. "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved March 30, 2023.
  15. "DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved April 3, 2016.
  16. "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved April 3, 2016.
  17. "DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved April 3, 2016.
  18. "DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved April 3, 2016.
  19. Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
  20. "1915 WV-310, Fairmont, West Virginia". Google Maps Street View. June 2021. Retrieved July 6, 2022.
  21. "Author's Afterword" in Flint, Eric. 1632
  22. Marion County VB. "Eric Flint's Best-Selling Sci-Fi Novel Takes Place in Marion County: Grantville Gets Transported Back To 1632" July 31, 2020 Marion County Visitors Bureau website
  23. Baen Interviews: Virginia DeMarce March 2006. Baen.com
  24. "Eric Flint: Remaking History" December 4, 2016 Locus magazine website

39.51°N 80.24°W / 39.51; -80.24

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