Community

The City of Marion is located in both Waupaca and Shawano Counties. It lies about 40 miles west of Green Bay, 45 miles southeast of Wausau, 45 miles northwest of Appleton and 40 miles northeast of Stevens Point.    

 Marion is a growing, diverse community.  A bustling, energetic community of 1,324 proudly looking to the future with deep roots anchored in a rich heritage.  If you would have to describe the City of Marion in one word, it would be friendly.  Friendly citizens, friendly businesses, an all-around friendly climate.

The natural beauty of the area's wooded land, farmland, lakes and streams is no secret and enjoyed by many year-round.  The Marion Pond is famous for trophy sized game fish as well as providing good catches of panfish.  There are many top-notch trout streams and thousands of acres of public hunting within minutes of Marion.  Whitetail deer, turkey, grouse, geese, ducks, rabbits and squirrels are the most plentiful game available. 

The City of Marion has a strong industrial base which leads to its economic diversity.  Add to this a mix of retail and professional services, and you have a desirable community.

History

Marion was first settled by Dr. J.W. Perry who came from New London in 1867 and erected a sawmill on land owned by his son, Stephen, at the present site of Great Lakes Veneer.  In 1872, a post office was established near the sawmill, and the area was named Perry's Mill.  At the time, the population consisted of the Perry family and six mill workers.

In 1876, the Original Plat of the village was surveyed by Frank Dorr and named it Marion after his hometown of Marion, Ohio.  The coming of the railroad in 1879 stimulated economic development in the community making Marion the center of activity in northern Waupaca County and southern Shawano County.  The village was incorporated in 1898, and the population had grown to 602 by 1900.  The village then incorporated into a city in 1939.  

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