Marion

Although the City of Marion’s motto, Where Main Street Meets the Mountains, was chosen to describe the present-day city, it is also an apt description of Marion’s past. Founded in 1844 at a rugged crossroads at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Marion was hewn out of the land by the hard work and determination of its citizens. Mountaineer mingled with businessman, and a unique community took shape, colored across time by triumph, tragedy, and progress. In Marion, the community’s rich history is brought to life in over 200 vintage images. Drawn from small private collections as well as from public archives, many of these photographs are published for the first time. Historical images show Marion’s early days when horse and wagon struggled to navigate the muddy ruts of Main Street, the aftermath of the disastrous fire of 1894, gatherings and public events at the dawn of the 20th century, the beginnings of industry, and glimpses of everyday life. The city’s three mill villages are also featured: Clinchfield, Cross Mill, and East Marion.