Marion County, Texas

County in Texas, United States

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

Not to be confused with Marion, Texas.

County in Texas

Marion County

County

Marion County Courthouse in Jefferson

Location within the U.S. state of Texas

Texas's location within the U.S.

Coordinates: 32°48′N 94°22′W﻿ / ﻿32.8°N 94.36°W﻿ / 32.8; -94.36
Country|  United States
State|  Texas
Founded| 1860
Named after| Francis Marion
Seat| Jefferson
Largest city| Jefferson
Area

• Total

| 420 sq mi (1,100 km2)
• Land| 381 sq mi (990 km2)
• Water| 39 sq mi (100 km2)  9.4%
Population

(2020)

• Total

| 9,725
• Density| 23/sq mi (8.9/km2)
Time zone| UTC−6 (Central)
• Summer (DST)| UTC−5 (CDT)
Congressional district| 1st
Website| www.co.marion.tx.us

Marion County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. As of the 2020 census, its population was 9,725.[1] Its county seat is Jefferson.[2] Marion County is in East Texas and is named for Francis Marion, the Revolutionary War general from South Carolina who was nicknamed the "Swamp Fox".

## History

[edit]

### Native Americans

[edit]

The indigenous farming Caddoan Mississippian culture has been dated to 200 BCE in the area. The Hernando de Soto expedition of 1541 resulted in violent encounters with Native Americans. Spanish and French missionaries carried endemic diseases: resulting in epidemics of smallpox, measles malaria, and influenza among the Caddo. Eventually, the Caddo were forced to reservations.[3][4] Shashidahnee (Timber Hill) is the last known permanent Marion County settlement of the Caddo people. During the 19th century, Shawnee, Delaware, and Kickapoo migrated to the area and settled here.[5]

### County established

[edit]

The legislature formed Marion County from Cass County in 1860 and named it for Revolutionary War Swamp Fox Francis Marion.[6] Jefferson, named after Thomas Jefferson became the county seat.[7]

The majority of the settlers had migrated from other southern states and brought enslaved African Americans with them as workers, or purchased them in slave markets. The county was developed as cotton plantations, and enslaved African Americans made up 51 percent of the population in 1860. In 1861, the white male voters in the county voted unanimously for secession from the Union. The county benefited financially from Confederate government contracts.[8]

In February 1869 the river steamboat Mittie Stephens caught fire from a torch basket that ignited a hay stack on board. Sixty-one people died, either from the fire or from being caught in the boat's paddlewheel as they jumped overboard.[9][10]

Following the Civil War, the white minority used violence to impose dominance on the freedmen. On October 4, 1869, George Washington Smith, a delegate to the state Constitutional Convention, was murdered by a band of vigilantes while incarcerated in Jefferson. Smith's slaying resulted in the federal government assigning military troops to Jefferson. They offered some protection for the black majority during the Reconstruction era.[11]

During Reconstruction, Republican presidential races were supported by the black majority voters in the county. However, with the end of Reconstruction, white conservative Democrats regained control of the state legislature and, in 1898, passed various restrictions on voter registration and voting, including establishing White primaries. Because the Democratic Party dominated the state, its primaries afforded the only true competitive political races. Blacks were unable to vote in these primaries and were thus disenfranchised. Various forms of the white primary survived until 1944 when a US Supreme Court ruling overturned the practice as racially discriminatory and unconstitutional.[12][13]

The Marion County brick courthouse was erected in 1914, designed by architect Elmer George Withers.[14] In the early 20th century, the Dick Taylor Camp of Confederate veterans erected a monument to honor the county's dead in the American Civil War, placing it outside the courthouse.[15]

Caddo Lake State Park was first proposed in 1924. From 1933 to 1937, during the Great Depression, men were hired into the Civilian Conservation Corps and made improvements to the park. The former army barracks and mess hall were converted to log cabins and a recreation hall for park goers.[16]

## Geography

[edit]

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 420 square miles (1,100 km2), of which 381 square miles (990 km2) is land and 39 square miles (100 km2) (9.4%) is water.[17]

### Major highways

[edit]

Entering Marion County from Louisiana along State Highway 49

* U.S. Highway 59
* Interstate 369 is under construction and will follow the current route of U.S. 59 in most places.
* State Highway 43
* State Highway 49
* State Highway 155
* Farm to Market Road 134
* Farm to Market Road 248
* Farm to Market Road 2208
* Farm to Market Road 726
* Farm to Market Road 729
* Farm to Market Road 727
* Farm to Market Road 805
* Farm to Market Road 2683

The TTC-69 component (recommended preferred) of the once-planned Trans-Texas Corridor went through Marion County.[18]

### Adjacent counties and parish

[edit]

* Cass County (north)
* Caddo Parish, Louisiana (east)
* Harrison County (south)
* Upshur County (west)
* Morris County (northwest)

## Communities

[edit]

* Corinth
* Jefferson (county seat)
* Pine Harbor
* Warlock

## Demographics

[edit]

Historical population Census| Pop.| Note| %±

|
|
|

1860| 3,977| | —
1870| 8,562| | 115.3%
1880| 10,983| | 28.3%
1890| 10,862| | −1.1%
1900| 10,754| | −1.0%
1910| 10,472| | −2.6%
1920| 10,886| | 4.0%
1930| 10,371| | −4.7%
1940| 11,457| | 10.5%
1950| 10,172| | −11.2%
1960| 8,049| | −20.9%
1970| 8,517| | 5.8%
1980| 10,360| | 21.6%
1990| 9,984| | −3.6%
2000| 10,941| | 9.6%
2010| 10,546| | −3.6%
2020| 9,725| | −7.8%
U.S. Decennial Census[19]
1850–2010[20] 2010–2020[21]
Marion County, Texas – Racial and ethnic composition
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race. Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 2000[22] | Pop 2010[23] | Pop 2020[21] | % 2000  | % 2010  | % 2020

|
|
|
|
|
|

White alone (NH)  | 7,818  | 7,564  | 6,869  | 71.46%  | 71.72%  | 70.63%
Black or African American alone (NH)  | 2,599  | 2,319  | 1,846  | 23.75%  | 21.99%  | 18.98%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH)  | 79  | 72  | 69  | 0.72%  | 0.68%  | 0.71%
Asian alone (NH)  | 23  | 50  | 48  | 0.21%  | 0.47%  | 0.49%
Pacific Islander alone (NH)  | 0  | 3  | 0  | 0.00%  | 0.03%  | 0.00%
Other race alone (NH)  | 3  | 8  | 45  | 0.03%  | 0.08%  | 0.46%
Mixed race or Multiracial (NH)  | 156  | 202  | 459  | 1.43%  | 1.92%  | 4.72%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)  | 263  | 328  | 389  | 2.40%  | 3.11%  | 4.00%
Total | 10,941 | 10,546 | 9,725 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00%

According to the 2000 U.S. census, there were 10,941 people, 4,610 households, and 3,120 families residing in the county.[24] The population density was 29 people per square mile (11 people/km2). There were 6,384 housing units at an average density of 17 units per square mile (6.6/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 72.74% White, 23.91% Black or African American, 0.80% Native American, 0.22% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.79% from other races, and 1.54% from two or more races. 2.40% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. The 2020 United States census reported a population of 9,725.[21] Its racial and ethnic makeup in 2020 was 70.63% non-Hispanic white, 18.98% Black or African American, 0.71% Native American, 0.49% Asian, 0.46% some other race, 4.72% multiracial, and 4.0% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

The median income for a household in the county was $25,347, and the median income for a family was $32,039. Males had a median income of $30,584 versus $17,885 for females. The per capita income for the county was $14,535. About 17.80% of families and 22.40% of the population were below the poverty line, including 29.90% of those under age 18 and 14.40% of those age 65 or over. According to the 2020 American Community Survey, the median household income was $39,093.[25]

## Politics

[edit]

United States presidential election results for Marion County, Texas[26] Year  | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies)

|
|
|

No. | % | No. | % | No. | %
2024 | 3,577  | 75.88% | 1,101  | 23.36%  | 36  | 0.76%
2020 | 3,470  | 71.34% | 1,339  | 27.53%  | 55  | 1.13%
2016 | 2,983  | 70.39% | 1,165  | 27.49%  | 90  | 2.12%
2012 | 2,733  | 63.83% | 1,495  | 34.91%  | 54  | 1.26%
2008 | 2,567  | 60.37% | 1,644  | 38.66%  | 41  | 0.96%
2004 | 2,441  | 56.14% | 1,884  | 43.33%  | 23  | 0.53%
2000 | 2,039  | 51.88% | 1,852  | 47.12%  | 39  | 0.99%
1996 | 1,260  | 34.45%  | 2,028  | 55.46% | 369  | 10.09%
1992 | 1,245  | 29.03%  | 2,156  | 50.28% | 887  | 20.69%
1988 | 1,857  | 44.97%  | 2,255  | 54.61% | 17  | 0.41%
1984 | 2,336  | 52.34% | 2,111  | 47.30%  | 16  | 0.36%
1980 | 1,666  | 44.66%  | 2,015  | 54.02% | 49  | 1.31%
1976 | 1,291  | 40.76%  | 1,860  | 58.73% | 16  | 0.51%
1972 | 1,680  | 60.22% | 1,106  | 39.64%  | 4  | 0.14%
1968 | 637  | 22.32%  | 1,260  | 44.15% | 957  | 33.53%
1964 | 927  | 40.25%  | 1,372  | 59.57% | 4  | 0.17%
1960 | 742  | 43.88%  | 904  | 53.46% | 45  | 2.66%
1956 | 1,126  | 60.93% | 709  | 38.37%  | 13  | 0.70%
1952 | 877  | 47.43%  | 970  | 52.46% | 2  | 0.11%
1948 | 200  | 18.48%  | 703  | 64.97% | 179  | 16.54%
1944 | 219  | 15.86%  | 1,057  | 76.54% | 105  | 7.60%
1940 | 167  | 11.76%  | 1,253  | 88.24% | 0  | 0.00%
1936 | 129  | 12.31%  | 919  | 87.69% | 0  | 0.00%
1932 | 84  | 8.83%  | 861  | 90.54% | 6  | 0.63%
1928 | 443  | 40.90%  | 640  | 59.10% | 0  | 0.00%
1924 | 347  | 33.02%  | 620  | 58.99% | 84  | 7.99%
1920 | 392  | 34.69%  | 430  | 38.05% | 308  | 27.26%
1916 | 166  | 27.04%  | 445  | 72.48% | 3  | 0.49%
1912 | 85  | 18.48%  | 339  | 73.70% | 36  | 7.83%

## Education

[edit]

School districts in Marion County include:[27]

* Avinger Independent School District
* Jefferson Independent School District
* Ore City Independent School District

All of Marion County is in the service area of Panola College.[28]

## See also

[edit]

* Texas portal

* Museums in East Texas
* National Register of Historic Places listings in Marion County, Texas
* Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks in Marion County

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Marion County, Texas". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 30, 2022.
2. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
3. ^ "Caddo Timeline". Texas Beyond History. UT-Austin. Retrieved December 17, 2010.
4. ^ "Caddo History". Oklahoma Historical Society. Archived from the original on July 19, 2010. Retrieved December 17, 2010.
5. ^ Teague, Wells (2000). "Where We Came From". Calling Texas Home: A Lively Look at What It Means to Be a Texan. Wildcat Canyon Press. p. 15\. ISBN 978-1-885171-38-2.
6. ^ The History of Marion County. Union Historical Company. 1881. pp. 248–249.
7. ^ "Jefferson, Texas". Texas Escapes. Texas Escapes - Blueprints For Travel, LLC. Retrieved December 17, 2010.
8. ^ Atkins, Mark Howard. "Marion County, Texas". Handbook of Texas Online. Texas State Historical Association. Retrieved December 17, 2010.
9. ^ Hodge, Larry D (2000). Official Guide to Texas Wildlife Management Areas. Texas Parks and Wildlife Press. p. 133\. ISBN 978-1-885696-35-9.
10. ^ McDonald, PhD, Archie P. "The Mittie Stephens Disaster". Texas Escapes. Texas Escapes - Blueprints For Travel, LLC. Retrieved December 17, 2010.
11. ^ Lale, Max S. "Stockade Case". Handbook of Texas Online. Texas State Historical Association. Retrieved December 17, 2010.
12. ^ Greenberg, Sanford N. "White Primary". Handbook of Texas Online. Texas State Historical Association. Retrieved December 17, 2010.
13. ^ Williams, Patrick G. “Suffrage Restriction in Post-Reconstruction Texas: Urban Politics and the Specter of the Commune.” The Journal of Southern History, vol. 68, no. 1, 2002, pp. 31–64. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/3069690. Accessed September 7, 2020.
14. ^ "Marion County Courthouse". Texas Escapes. Texas Escapes - Blueprints For Travel, LLC. Retrieved December 17, 2010.
15. ^ "Confederate Monument". Texas Confederate Veterans. Retrieved December 17, 2010.
16. ^ "Caddo Lake State Park". Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Retrieved December 17, 2010.
17. ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved May 4, 2015.
18. ^ TxDoT, TTC Section F, Detailed Maps 1 & 2, 2007-12-28 Archived February 7, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
19. ^ "Decennial Census of Population and Housing by Decades". US Census Bureau.
20. ^ "Texas Almanac: Population History of Counties from 1850–2010" (PDF). Texas Almanac. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved May 4, 2015.
21. ^ a b c "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Marion County, Texas". United States Census Bureau.
22. ^ "P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Marion County, Texas". United States Census Bureau.
23. ^ "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Marion County, Texas". United States Census Bureau.
24. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
25. ^ "2020 ACS Financial Characteristics". data.census.gov. Retrieved May 13, 2022.
26. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved July 26, 2018.
27. ^ "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Marion County, TX" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved November 27, 2024. \- Text list
28. ^ Texas Education Code, Sec. 130.194. PANOLA COLLEGE DISTRICT SERVICE AREA..

## External links

[edit]

* Marion County government website
* Marion County from the Handbook of Texas Online
* Inventory of the county archives of Texas : Marion County, no. 158, hosted by the Portal to Texas History

* v
* t
* e

Places adjacent to Marion County, Texas

| Morris County | Cass County |

|
|

|  |
Upshur County |

Marion County, Texas

| Caddo Parish, Louisiana
|  |
| Harrison County |

* v
* t
* e

Municipalities and communities of Marion County, Texas, United States

County seat: Jefferson

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Marion County map

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* Pine Harbor

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32°48′N 94°22′W﻿ / ﻿32.80°N 94.36°W﻿ / 32.80; -94.36

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