Marion county was formed in 1823 from parts of Fayette County and Jefferson County and is named for Francis Marion, a skilled Brigadier General in the Revolutionary War in the Carolina region. It is located in southern Illinois just north of Mt. Vernon and Jefferson County.
The county seat is Salem and the county population on July 1, 1999, was 41,813, an increase of 252 over the 1990 census. Salem is noted as the birthplace of William Jennings Bryan, the famous orator and 3-time Presidential candidate and author of the G.I. Bill of Rights. In addition, the food condiment "Miracle Whip" was invented here.
02/18 Coming to The Salem area International Bar-B-Q Festival Owensboro KY May10-11 The Owensboro riverfront becomes a hub of activity when cooking teams gather to compete with their secret recipes for barbecue. Historic Newburgh Wine, Art and Jazz Festival Newburgh IN May17-18 There will be non stop jazz, wonderful wines, great food, and the opportunity to browse and purchase local art. All of this overlooking the beautiful Ohio River at the Old Lock & Dam Park. Belleville Art on the Square Belleville IL May17-19 Springfield Old Capitol Art Fair Springfield IL May18-19 Whether you are a serious art collector or are just developing an appreciation, there is original art here for you, in the form of jewelry, sculpture, photography, glassware, pottery, wood, metalwork, oils, watercolors, and other media. International Horseradish Festival Collinsville IL May31-June2 Admission is always free, parking is always free and musical entertainment is always free at the Horseradish Festival. Clay City Pottery Festival Clay City IN June8-9 The activities are centered around the pottery that is over 126 years old and still operated by the fourth generation of the founders of the pottery. Other events of interest are a craft show and sale, flea market, antique cars and farm equipment, area yard sales, and the annual quilt show organized by the Clay City Calico Quilters. There are also many food stands all around town.
