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The Kaskaskia and Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo) nations are among the indigenous groups historically associated with the Marion, Illinois region.
Answer: True
Explanation: Historical records indicate that the Kaskaskia and Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo) nations, among others like the Osage and Myaamia, are indigenous groups historically associated with the region encompassing Marion, Illinois.
Marion, Illinois, was founded in 1939 and named after a general from the American Civil War.
Answer: False
Explanation: Marion, Illinois, was founded on August 21, 1839, and named in honor of General Francis 'Swamp Fox' Marion, a hero of the American Revolutionary War, not the Civil War.
Between 1930 and 1970, Marion's population showed a consistent upward trend.
Answer: False
Explanation: Between 1930 and 1970, Marion's population trend was not consistently upward; it experienced fluctuations, including a decrease from 1920 to 1930, followed by growth.
Which of the following indigenous nations is NOT listed as historically inhabiting the region of Marion, Illinois?
Answer: Cherokee
Explanation: The Osage, Kaskaskia, Myaamia, Očhéthi Šakówiŋ (Sioux), and Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo) nations are listed as historically inhabiting the region; the Cherokee nation is not mentioned in this context.
Marion, Illinois, was founded on August 21, 1839, and named in honor of which historical figure?
Answer: General Francis "Swamp Fox" Marion
Explanation: Marion, Illinois, founded on August 21, 1839, was named in honor of the American Revolutionary War hero, General Francis 'Swamp Fox' Marion.
Which of the following statements accurately describes the population trend of Marion, Illinois, between 1930 and 1970?
Answer: The population fluctuated, with periods of decrease followed by growth.
Explanation: Between 1930 and 1970, Marion's population trend was characterized by fluctuations, including an initial decrease followed by periods of growth.
Marion, Illinois, is part of the Carbondale-Marion-Herrin, Illinois Combined Statistical Area.
Answer: True
Explanation: Marion, Illinois, is indeed included within the Carbondale-Marion-Herrin, Illinois Combined Statistical Area, which ranks as the sixth most populous in the state.
The geographical coordinates of Marion, Illinois, are approximately 38°N latitude.
Answer: False
Explanation: The precise geographical coordinates of Marion, Illinois, are 37°44′40″N latitude and 88°56′34″W longitude, not approximately 38°N latitude.
Approximately 1.4% of Marion, Illinois's total area is covered by water.
Answer: True
Explanation: Of Marion, Illinois's total area of 16.217 square miles, 0.227 square miles (approximately 1.4%) is covered by water.
Marion, Illinois, has an elevation of 440 meters above sea level.
Answer: False
Explanation: The elevation of Marion, Illinois, is 440 feet (130 meters) above sea level, not 440 meters.
Marion, Illinois, observes the Central Standard Time (CST) zone during standard time.
Answer: True
Explanation: Marion, Illinois, observes the Central Standard Time (CST) zone, which is UTC-6, and switches to Central Daylight Time (CDT), UTC-5, during daylight saving periods.
Marion is situated approximately 57 miles north of Paducah, Kentucky.
Answer: True
Explanation: Marion's geographical location places it approximately 57 miles north of Paducah, Kentucky, positioning it centrally within the Southern Illinois region.
Marion, Illinois, is part of which larger statistical area that ranks as the sixth most populous in Illinois?
Answer: The Carbondale-Marion-Herrin, Illinois Combined Statistical Area
Explanation: Marion, Illinois, is part of the Carbondale-Marion-Herrin, Illinois Combined Statistical Area, which is the sixth most populous statistical area in Illinois.
What are the geographical coordinates of Marion, Illinois?
Answer: 37°44′40″N 88°56′34″W
Explanation: The precise geographical coordinates of Marion, Illinois, are 37°44′40″N latitude and 88°56′34″W longitude.
Marion's location places it approximately how far west of Carbondale, Illinois?
Answer: 17 miles
Explanation: Marion is situated approximately 17 miles (27 km) west of Carbondale, Illinois, indicating its relative position within the region.
According to the 2020 United States Census, what was the recorded population of Marion, Illinois?
Answer: False
Explanation: The 2020 United States Census recorded the population of Marion, Illinois, as 16,855 residents, not 18,855.
As of the latest census data provided, the majority of Marion's population identifies as White.
Answer: True
Explanation: According to the provided census data, the White demographic constitutes the majority of Marion, Illinois's population.
Approximately 15.0% of Marion's population lives below the poverty line.
Answer: True
Explanation: Approximately 15.0% of Marion's population is estimated to live below the poverty line, indicating the proportion of residents whose income falls below the threshold necessary to meet basic needs.
Over 30% of individuals aged 25 to 64 in Marion hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Answer: True
Explanation: Data indicates that 30.1% of Marion residents aged 25 to 64 have attained a bachelor's degree or higher, reflecting the educational attainment level of the adult workforce.
The cost of living in Marion, Illinois, is estimated to be 8.0% higher than the U.S. average.
Answer: False
Explanation: The cost of living in Marion, Illinois, is estimated to be 8.0% lower than the U.S. average, suggesting greater affordability compared to the national standard.
As per the 2020 United States Census, what was the approximate population count for Marion, Illinois?
Answer: 16,855
Explanation: The 2020 United States Census recorded the population of Marion, Illinois, as 16,855 residents.
Based on the provided census data, what is the largest racial demographic group in Marion, Illinois?
Answer: White
Explanation: According to the provided census data, the White demographic represents the largest racial group in Marion, Illinois.
What proportion of Marion, Illinois's population is estimated to reside below the poverty threshold?
Answer: 15.0%
Explanation: Approximately 15.0% of Marion's population is estimated to live below the poverty line, indicating the proportion of residents whose income falls below the threshold necessary to meet basic living standards.
What proportion of Marion residents aged 25-64 have achieved a bachelor's degree or higher?
Answer: 30.1%
Explanation: Among individuals aged 25 to 64 residing in Marion, Illinois, 30.1% have attained a bachelor's degree or higher, reflecting the educational attainment level of the city's adult workforce.
What is the comparative cost of living in Marion, Illinois, relative to the United States average?
Answer: It is 8.0% lower than the national average.
Explanation: The cost of living in Marion, Illinois, is estimated to be 8.0% lower than the U.S. average, suggesting that consumer goods and services are generally more affordable in Marion compared to the national average.
Marion is primarily described as a significant center for agricultural production in Southern Illinois.
Answer: False
Explanation: Marion is described as the largest retail trade center in Southern Illinois, rather than a primary center for agricultural production.
The median household income in Marion, Illinois, is $143,600.
Answer: False
Explanation: The median household income in Marion, Illinois, is $54,052. The figure $143,600 represents the median value of owner-occupied housing.
The sector with the highest location quotient (LQ) in Marion is Health Care and Social Assistance.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Finance and Insurance sector exhibits the highest location quotient (LQ = 2.33) in Marion, indicating a greater concentration of employment relative to the national average than Health Care and Social Assistance (LQ = 1.50).
Utilities is the sector offering the highest average wages per worker in Marion, Illinois.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Utilities sector offers the highest average annual wages per worker in Marion, Illinois, at $125,515, surpassing other sectors like Mining or Health Care and Social Assistance.
As of March 30, 2009, the VA Medical Center was the largest employer in Marion, Illinois.
Answer: False
Explanation: As of March 30, 2009, Aisin Mfg. was the largest employer in Marion with 1820 employees, while the VA Medical Center employed 1500 individuals.
Which description best fits Marion's economic significance for Southern Illinois according to the provided text?
Answer: The largest retail trade center in the region.
Explanation: Marion is characterized as the largest retail trade center within Southern Illinois, leveraging its strategic location for regional commerce.
What is the median value of owner-occupied housing in Marion, Illinois, based on the available economic data?
Answer: $143,600
Explanation: The median value for owner-occupied housing in Marion, Illinois, is $143,600, according to the provided economic data.
Which economic sector in Marion, Illinois, demonstrates the highest location quotient, signifying a concentration of employment relative to the national average?
Answer: Finance and Insurance (LQ = 2.33)
Explanation: The Finance and Insurance sector exhibits the highest location quotient (LQ = 2.33) in Marion, indicating a greater concentration of employment relative to the national average.
Identify the sector providing the highest average annual wages per worker within Marion, Illinois.
Answer: Utilities
Explanation: The Utilities sector provides the highest average annual wages per worker in Marion, Illinois, at $125,515.
As of March 30, 2009, which entity held the position of the largest employer in Marion, Illinois, based on employee count?
Answer: Aisin Mfg. (1820 employees)
Explanation: As of March 30, 2009, Aisin Mfg. was the largest employer in Marion, Illinois, with 1820 employees.
What is the designated administrative center of Williamson County, Illinois?
Answer: True
Explanation: Marion, Illinois, serves as the designated county seat of Williamson County, functioning as its primary administrative center housing governmental offices and courthouses.
Marion, Illinois, has a sister city relationship with Kanie, Japan.
Answer: True
Explanation: Marion, Illinois, established a sister city relationship with Kanie, Japan, on March 26, 2010, fostering international cultural exchange.
Marion's city government operates under a mayor-council system.
Answer: False
Explanation: Marion, Illinois, operates under a city commission system, not a mayor-council system. This structure includes a mayor and four city commissioners.
Marion's 'home rule' status restricts its city council's powers compared to standard commission governments.
Answer: False
Explanation: Marion's 'home rule' status actually grants its city council greater flexibility and authority in decision-making, rather than restricting its powers relative to standard commission governments.
What is Marion, Illinois, officially recognized as within Williamson County?
Answer: The county seat
Explanation: Marion, Illinois, is officially recognized as the county seat of Williamson County, serving as its administrative center.
With which international city did Marion, Illinois, establish a sister city relationship in 2010?
Answer: Kanie, Japan
Explanation: Marion, Illinois, established a sister city relationship with Kanie, Japan, on March 26, 2010.
What is the structure of Marion, Illinois's city government?
Answer: City commission system with a mayor and four commissioners.
Explanation: Marion, Illinois, operates under a city commission system, which includes a mayor and four elected city commissioners.
What is the effect of Marion, Illinois's 'home rule' status on its city council's powers?
Answer: It grants the city council greater flexibility and authority in decision-making.
Explanation: Marion's 'home rule' status provides its city council with enhanced flexibility and authority for enacting local measures, allowing for more independent governance.
What is the current official motto of Marion, Illinois, adopted during the tenure of Mayor Mike Absher?
Answer: False
Explanation: The current official motto of Marion, Illinois, under Mayor Mike Absher, is the 'Oasis of Opportunity,' not the 'Hub of the Universe' (which was a previous designation).
The Marion Cultural and Civic Center was completed in June 2004.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 35,000-square-foot Marion Cultural and Civic Center facility was completed in June 2004.
The Orpheum Theatre, opened in 1922, was completely demolished after its closure.
Answer: False
Explanation: While the Orpheum Theatre closed and was later damaged, its facade was salvaged for the new Marion Cultural and Civic Center, meaning it was not completely demolished.
The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail is listed as a key attraction for tourists visiting the Marion area.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail is indeed cited as one of the key attractions drawing tourists to the Marion area, alongside other regional natural and recreational sites.
The Bill Jung Transfer Center serves as the main hub for bus services in Marion.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Bill Jung Transfer Center functions as the primary location for bus services in Marion, connecting riders with various transit districts and serving as a central public transportation hub.
What is the current official motto of Marion, Illinois, adopted during the tenure of Mayor Mike Absher?
Answer: The Oasis of Opportunity
Explanation: The current official motto for Marion, Illinois, adopted under Mayor Mike Absher, is the 'Oasis of Opportunity'.
What prestigious award did the Marion Cultural and Civic Center receive in 2004 upon its completion?
Answer: The Frank Lloyd Wright Award - Special Recognition
Explanation: The Marion Cultural and Civic Center received the Frank Lloyd Wright Award - Special Recognition from the American Institute of Architects, Illinois Chapter, in 2004.
Following the closure and subsequent damage of the Orpheum Theatre, what became of its facade?
Answer: It was salvaged for the new Marion Cultural and Civic Center.
Explanation: The facade of the Orpheum Theatre was salvaged and incorporated into the new Marion Cultural and Civic Center after the theatre closed and was later damaged.
Which of the following is NOT listed as a key tourist attraction in the Marion area?
Answer: Giant City State Park
Explanation: While Lake of Egypt, Shawnee National Forest, and Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge are listed as key attractions, Giant City State Park is not explicitly mentioned in the provided text as a primary tourist draw for the Marion area.
The Southern Illinois Miners, a former professional baseball team associated with Marion, played in which league?
Answer: Frontier League
Explanation: The Southern Illinois Miners, a former professional baseball team based in Marion, played in the Frontier League.
Which local newspaper is mentioned as being based in Marion, Illinois?
Answer: The Daily Republican
Explanation: The Daily Republican is identified as one of the newspapers based in Marion, Illinois.
What airline provides passenger service from Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois to Chicago O'Hare?
Answer: Contour Airlines
Explanation: Contour Airlines provides passenger service from Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois to Chicago O'Hare International Airport.
What facility serves as the principal hub for public bus transportation in Marion, facilitating connections with regional transit districts?
Answer: The Bill Jung Transfer Center
Explanation: The Bill Jung Transfer Center is the primary hub for bus services in Marion, connecting riders with both Rides Mass Transit District and South Central Transit.
The F4 tornado that struck Marion on May 29, 1982, resulted in approximately 181 injuries.
Answer: True
Explanation: The F4 tornado on May 29, 1982, caused significant destruction in Marion and Williamson County, resulting in ten fatalities and approximately 181 reported injuries.
The EF4 tornado on May 16, 2025, caused seven fatalities but no injuries.
Answer: False
Explanation: The EF4 tornado on May 16, 2025, caused seven injuries but no fatalities, contrary to the statement.
What was the intensity rating of the tornado that caused significant destruction, ten fatalities, and an estimated $85-100 million in damages on May 29, 1982?
Answer: F4
Explanation: The tornado that struck Marion and Williamson County on May 29, 1982, was rated F4, causing extensive damage, fatalities, and injuries.
How many injuries were reported from the EF4 tornado that struck south of Marion on May 16, 2025?
Answer: Seven
Explanation: The EF4 tornado that occurred south of Marion on May 16, 2025, resulted in seven reported injuries, though no fatalities.