History

In the very early 1860’s to 1970’s, city improvements came slowly to Marion. Crude bridges were built and roads laid out. The sidewalks were the first to be classified as city improvements.

Sidewalks were constructed in Marion in 1877. Twelve years later the streets were covered with twelve inches of crushed rock. “The crown of the street was 12 inches above the gutter.” The curb and gutter were made of large limestone slabs. Cross walks were of large limestone slabs. Rock for the project was taken from nearby quarries. After these initial beginnings, the improvement of city streets was gradual and constant as the city expanded.

Today the streets are mostly paved with some original brick streets still intact, such as Elm Street. Constant street improvements and maintenance are completed by our Street Department which consists of 4 full time employees and a Street Superintendent.