Marion County Genealogy
- Formed 1800
- Parent district Georgetown District (Liberty/Marion lineage)
- County seat Marion
- Neighbors Dillon, Florence, Georgetown, Horry, Williamsburg
Marion County was formed in 1800 (Georgetown District (Liberty/Marion lineage)). The county seat is Marion. Neighboring counties include Dillon, Florence, Georgetown, Horry, Williamsburg.
Use the research panels below for modern starting points—government contacts, census, vital records, cemeteries—and read the legacy narrative for local history notes and older link collections (some updated).
Originally known as Liberty County when it was formed in 1785 from the Georgetown District, this area was renamed Marion County after Revolutionary War General Francis Marion. The area became a seperate district in 1800. Part of Marion County was used in 1888 to form Florence County and in 1910 a portion was used to create Dillon County. During the Revolutionary War there were several skirmishes in the area between General Marion's men and the British.
Marion County Courthouse old link
P.O. Box 183
Marion, SC 29571
Census
1800 Federal Census Transcription
- 1820 Federal Census Images Directory opens to listing of image files by page number.
- 1830 Federal Census Images Directory opens to listing of image files by page number.
Cemeteries
USGS listing of cemeteries in Marion County
Query Forums
Cities and towns of Marion County:
- Brittons Neck
- Centenary
- Gresham
- Marion (County Seat)
- Mullins
- Rains
- Sellers
History notes
Marion County's documentary trail follows South Carolina's district-to-county evolution. When searching before county formation, check parent districts and neighboring counties for deeds, estates, and tax lists.
Research starting points
Census
Federal census schedules (and some state/colonial substitutes) are foundational for Marion County household reconstruction. Start with every decade the family should appear, then correlate with land and probate.
Vital records
South Carolina statewide vital registration is comparatively late. For many Marion County families you will rely on a mix of county probate, church registers, Bible records, newspapers, and delayed birth certificates—not only a single “vital records office” file.
Cemeteries
Cemetery surveys for Marion County appear in published books, Find a Grave, USGenWeb archives, and local historical society vertical files. Always note whether a reading is complete or partial.
Courthouse & contacts
Marion County Courthouse
Marion, South Carolina
https://www.marionsc.org/