The northeastern area of South Carolina was originally settled by Native Americans who were attracted to the Little Pee Dee and Great Pee Dee Rivers; later followed by English settlers migrating from the South Carolina coast. By the late 1700s the area began to prosper and Marion was established. Marion is the seat of the county which bears the same name. The town and county were named in honor of Gen. Francis Marion, the “Swamp Fox” of the Revolutionary War. To honor this hero a statue stands in the town's square. The historic district is convenient to Interstate 95 and minutes from US 501, a main thoroughfare to the Grand Strand which is within an hour’s drive. Attractions include the Marion County Museum, Old Town Hall & Opera House and courthouse. Visitors to the area enjoy a stop at Sparky's Pecan Outlet, a night in a bed and breakfast or a canoe/kayak adventure on the nearby Little Pee Dee, Pee Dee or Lumber rivers. Each year in May the town hosts the FoxTrot Festival.