Marion County

Marion County is an administrative district in central Indiana that includes Indianapolis and its surrounding areas. The district spans both sides of the White River and contains a mix of urban neighborhoods, suburban developments and farmland that form a varied landscape.

The district was founded in 1822, shortly after Indiana became the nineteenth state to join the Union in 1816. The name honors Francis Marion, a Revolutionary War general known for his guerrilla tactics in South Carolina.

The county encompasses multiple townships including Center, Decatur, Franklin, Lawrence, Perry, Pike, Warren, Washington, and Wayne, each with distinct communities.

Several interstate highways cross the district and connect the central city with surrounding regions in all directions. Public transit and local roads offer additional options for moving between different communities and neighborhoods.

Since 1970, the city and district share a merged government known as Unigov, while four smaller towns remain self-governing. This arrangement is uncommon in the United States and brings urban and district services under a single administration.

Location: Indiana

Inception: 1822

Capital city: Indianapolis

Shares border with: Hamilton County, Hancock County, Shelby County, Johnson County, Morgan County, Hendricks County, Boone County

Website: http://indy.gov/eGov/County

GPS coordinates: 39.78000,-86.14000

Latest update: December 11, 2025 22:40