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Marion County
Some say Marion County was named for a pioneer who was a favorite character among early settlers. It could also have been named for Francis Marion, American commander in the Revolutionary War. The popularity of the name is attested by the 17 counties in the U.S. of that name. Marion County, Iowa, was formally organized in 1845, and Knoxville was chosen as the county seat.
The first courthouse was a log cabin. In 1856, the people became dissatisfied and decided the county was rich enough to have a new courthouse. In 1895 the Board called for a special election to replace the 1856 brick courthouse.
Another new courthouse was proposed in the 1960s but was voted down. Instead, updating the old courthouse began in 1972. Today, the beautiful old courthouse has a good sound foundation and an interior full of history.
The Iowa flag was designed by Marion County native Dixie Cornell Gebhart. The flag was carried during World War I by local troops and the Iowa Legislature approved it as the state flag on March 29, 1921.
In 1996 an open house with period costumes and entertainment was held to honor the 100th birthday of our Courthouse. This celebration coincided with the sesquicentennial of the State of Iowa.
Source:
Marion County Recorder
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