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Marion County, Iowa history including information about: Francis Marion,
Knoxville, Iowa, Dixie Cornell, Plat Maps, Hammond Bridge Rehabilitation and
IAGENWEB Project information.
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Marion County, Iowa - History
Some say Marion County, Iowa 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 Gebhardt. 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.
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