A Look Into Marion, Virginia

This article is brought to you by the sexual abuse lawyers from Marion. See what the town of Marion has to offer its residents and visitors.

All About Marion

Marion is a town in Southwest Virginia. Situated in the Blue Ridge portion of the Southern Appalachian mountains, it is the county seat of Smyth County. The town was named after American Revolutionary War officer Francis Marion. As of the 2000 census, there is a population of 6,349 people living in the area. It is one of the only towns designated as an official National Main Street Community and Virginia Main Street Community. Historic sites within and around Marion that have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) include:

• R.T Greer and Company
• Henderson Building
• Hotel Lincoln
• Hungry Mother State Park Historic District
• Lincoln Theatre
• Marion Historic District
• Marion Male Academy
• Norfolk & Western Railway Depot
• Preston House
• Abijah Thomas House

Hungry Mother State Park

Hungry Mother State Park was built in 1933. It is one of the six original Civilian Conservation Corps parks that opened in June 1936. The unusual name for the park is said to have originated from Molly Marley and her child. When the Native Americans destroyed the settlements on the New River that's to the south of the park, Molly and her child were taken to the raider's camp to the north of the park. After their escape, Molly collapsed in the mountain, and her child went to find help, uttering only "Hungry Mother." Today, the mountain is named "Molly's Knob," and the stream near there is Hungry Mother Creek. Hungry Mother State Park offers a discovery center, swimming at the swim beach, boat rentals, hiking, camping, cabin rentals, folklore and history, and Hemlock Haven – the park system's first conference center.

Lincoln Theatre

The Lincoln Theatre first opened its doors in 1929 on E. Main St. in Marion. The historic theatre is a three-story establishment behind the Royal Oak Apartment House. To enter the theatre, visitors must go through the broad arcade on the ground floor of the apartment house. Designed like an ancient Mayan temple, it features six large paintings showcasing scenes from American and local history. In 1977, the theatre closed down and reopened as a community performing arts center in 2004. It is the home of the Song of the Mountains, a nationally syndicated bluegrass music program.

General Francis Marion Hotel

General Francis Marion Hotel, also known as Hotel Lincoln, is a historic hotel building built in 1926 and 1927. The five-story reinforced concrete commercial building is of the Colonial Revival style. It is one of the only remaining early-1900s hotel buildings in Southwest Virginia. The hotel offers event spaces, conference rooms, a drugstore, beauty salon, barbershop and coffee shop.

Points of Interest

Besides those mentioned above, other notable points of interest for the town of Marion are the Emory and Henry College of Health Sciences, the previous Marion College, and the Back of the Dragon – a premier riding road which starts in Marion and ends in Tazewell, Virginia. Although the original drink was created in Knoxville, Tennessee, the town is also known as the birthplace of Mountain Dew.

Learn more: Evolution of Emporia, Virginia

Our Local Office

If you or someone you know have been a victim of abuse, contact our Marion sexual abuse attorneys. We can help you get the justice you deserve. Call today for a free case review.