Join us as we celebrate Marion County's 180th anniversary!
When the U.S. government acquired Florida in 1821, scouts were sent to survey the peninsula. By 1825, the government had created an agency to oversee the Seminole population in what would become Marion County.
The U.S. Army established a military outpost to protect the northern boundary of the Indian reservation. Pioneers came to present-day Marion County for free land offered under the Armed Occupation Act during the 1840s.
Between 1842 and 1844, the county was still a part of Alachua, Mosquito (Orange) and Hillsborough counties, and the closest county seat was in Alachua - a difficult 50 miles from Fort King. As a result, early settlers began to get restless for a new county.
Gabriel Priest, the first state senator from Marion, represented Alachua County when he introduced a bill to create the new county. The territorial legislative council authorized the formation of Marion County. Richard Keith Call, the territorial governor, signed the law on March 25, 1844.
Marion County has grown substantially in its history & now boasts significant economic development and the title of Horse Capital of the World(R). The people & natural landmarks of Marion County have contributed greatly to the history of the state of Florida.
