📍 Location & Geography
Marion is a charming coastal town located in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, United States. The town is situated in the southeastern part of the state, on the south coast of Massachusetts. Marion is bordered by the towns of Mattapoisett to the southwest, Rochester to the west, and Wareham to the north. The town is surrounded by water on three sides, with Buzzards Bay to the south, Sippican Harbor to the east, and the Weweantic River to the northeast.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Marion, Massachusetts are approximately 41.7° N latitude and 70.76° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Marion is part of the New England region of the United States. The town covers a total area of about 26.1 square miles, of which 14.0 square miles is land and 12.1 square miles is water, according to the United States Census Bureau. The town’s coastal location offers a unique blend of land and sea, with numerous beaches, harbors, and rivers.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Marion has a population of approximately 5,000 residents. The town has a predominantly Caucasian population, with minorities including African Americans, Asians, and Hispanics. The median age in the town is around 49 years, and the population is evenly split between males and females.
🏛️ History
Marion was first settled in 1679 as a part of Rochester, Massachusetts. It was officially incorporated as a separate town in 1852. The town was named after Francis Marion, a military officer from South Carolina who played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War. Marion has a rich maritime history and was once a prominent shipbuilding and whaling center.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Marion boasts a beautiful natural environment, with a variety of landscapes including forests, wetlands, and coastal areas. The town is home to several parks and nature reserves, such as the Sippican Lands Trust and Washburn Park. It also features several beaches, including Silvershell Beach and Planting Island Beach. Marion’s coastal location provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water-related activities.
🏫 Education
Education in Marion is managed by the Old Rochester Regional School District, which also serves the neighboring towns of Mattapoisett and Rochester. The town has one elementary school, Sippican School, and students attend Old Rochester Regional Junior High School and Old Rochester Regional High School located in Mattapoisett. Marion is also home to Tabor Academy, a prestigious private coeducational college preparatory school.
🚧 Transportation
Transportation in Marion is primarily by road, with Massachusetts Route 105 and Route 6 being the main highways serving the town. The nearest airport is New Bedford Regional Airport, located about 15 miles to the west. The town also has a harbor, providing access for boating and other water transportation.
📜 Trivia & Events
Marion is known for its annual Marion to Bermuda Cruising Yacht Race, which is a popular event attracting sailors from around the world. The town also hosts the Marion Art Center, which offers a variety of art exhibitions, performances, and classes. Marion was the setting for the 2001 movie “Shallow Hal,” and the town’s Tabor Academy was featured in the 1999 film “Outside Providence.”