Marion County sits in north-central West Virginia and plays an important role in the state’s growing high-tech corridor. The county also has plenty of natural beauty, with Valley Falls State Park standing out as a favorite spot for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying the outdoors.

Fairmont, the county seat, has a tasty claim to fame. It’s widely credited as the birthplace of the pepperoni roll, a beloved West Virginia snack created by Italian immigrants who worked in the coal mines. Coal has played a major role in Marion County’s history, shaping both its economy and communities for generations.

Today, the county is looking toward the future, with Fairmont State University adding an important educational and economic presence. Prickett’s Fort State Park offers another glimpse into the past, featuring a reconstructed frontier fort and living-history experiences. Marion County blends Appalachian history with modern opportunities in a pretty interesting way.