WHERE HISTORY LIVES
Located between Tuscaloosa and Montgomery and just a little over 30 miles from historic Selma, Ala., Marion is the county seat of Perry County. It has been called The Athens of the South because of the dominating presence of its colleges, Judson College and Marion Military Institute (MMI). Steeped in history, the tiny college city is home to many of the South's most intriguing antique stores, beautiful antebellum homes and delicious southern cuisine. As a result of its small size and close relationship with both colleges, Marion provides a warm atmosphere of welcome to all students and visitors.

THINGS TO KNOW 

• The City of Marion was once called "Muckle's Ridge" but was renamed in honor of Francis Marion, the "Swamp Fox" hero of the American Revolution.
• Marion has a population of slightly more than 4,000.
• Howard College, now known as Samford University, was first founded here in 1842 before moving to Birmingham in 1887.
• The first Confederate flag and uniform were designed here.
• Sam Houston, later of Texas fame, was married here in 1840 to a local girl, Margaret Moffette Lea, who is rumored to have actually attended Judson College for a time!
• A groundbreaking school for African Americans, the Lincoln Normal School, was founded in 1867.
• Civil rights leader, Coretta Scott King, attended Lincoln Normal School.
• The Alabama Military Hall of Honor is housed on the MMI campus.
• The Alabama Women's Hall of Fame is housed on the Judson campus.
• Marion has more than ten structures on the National Register of Historic Places, four historic districts and one National Historic Landmark, Kenworthy Hall.

* See the Official City of Marion website

PLACES TO VISIT 

• Frosty Cow - ice cream parlor - Downtown Marion
• Bluebyrd & Company, Antiques - 215 Washington Street
• College City Drugs - another Downtown gift shop offering the largest selection of gift items in the city from such designers as Arthur Court, Burt's Bees, Vera Bradley and Hello Kitty.
• The Alabama Women's Hall of Fame - Located on the Judson College campus in Bean Hall.
• The Alabama Military Hall of Fame - Located on the MMI campus in the Old City Hall building.
• Green Street Gallery - A display of artwork by local artists and students.
• Perry Lakes Park and Barton's Beach, Cahaba River Preserve - a restored outdoor park and nature preserve offering a variety of activities for those who love the outdoors.
• Carlisle Hall (Kenworthy Hall) - declared a National Historic Landmark in 2004, this Italian villa style structure is most popularly known as having been featured in a short story in Kathryn Tucker Windham's 13 Alabama Ghosts and Jeffrey. Located on the North side of Alabama Highway 14.

PLACES TO EAT

• Lottie's Restaurant, 207 Washington Street
• Glynis' at the Gateway, 1615 Highway 5 South
• Hardee's, 1215 Washington Street
• J & R's, "The Best Hamburgers in the South" - Highway 5 South
• The Kalico Kitchen, Highway 5
• The Lotus Garden, Authentic Chinese Food, 1602 Highway 5 South
• Subway, Highway 5 South
• Marion Steakhouse - Green Street, Downtown Marion 
• Casa Grande Mexican Restaurant, 108 Fikes Ferry Road

PLACES TO STAY

• The Gateway Inn, 1615 Highway 5 South
• Myrtle Hill Bed and Breakfast, 303 West Lafayette Street
• Full listing:  Hotels and B&B's

PLACES TO WORSHIP

• Siloam Baptist Church
• St. Wilfrid's Episcopal Church
• Marion United Methodist Church
• Marion Presbyterian Church
• United Community Church of God in Christ
• Berean Baptist Church
• Little Rock Baptist Church
• Pine Grove Baptist Church