During the 1830s the Trail of Tears (the forced removal of Native Americans from Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi) passed through the area.

A town was laid out and named Marion in honor of the man who gave the land for the site.

[7] Soon after the county seat was moved from its first location of Greenock on the Mississippi River to Marion, a wooden frame building was constructed in the town for holding court.

[9] During the American Civil War the steamboat Sultana was destroyed in an explosion on April 27, 1865, as it was transporting released Union POWs near Mound City, just east of Marion.

It is estimated that 1,500 soldiers and crew were killed, the largest loss of life in a maritime accident in US history.

The initial contract for the courthouse and jail was $60k, and due to unknown circumstances construction took many years to finish.

The Northern Backswamps are a network of low-lying overflow areas and floodplains historically dominated by bald cypress, water tupelo, overcup oak, water hickory, and Nuttall oak forest subject to year-round or seasonal inundation.

The Northern Holocene Meander Belts are the flat floodplains and former alignments of the Mississippi River, including levees, oxbow lakes, and point bars.

[15] The Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge, which preserves some of the year-round flooded bald cypress forest typical of this ecoregion prior to development for row agriculture lies north of Marion.

Marion is served for general aviation by the West Memphis Municipal Airport (KAWM).

[24] Crittenden County and West Memphis jointly operate a port on the Mississippi River.

[26] Because of its proximity to Memphis and Interstate highways, Marion offers the activities and enrichment of a large city while maintaining the character of a small community.

In addition to the many community events common to any town, each May Marion hosts the Esperanza Bonanza, a festival that includes live music, a barbecue competition, a rodeo, a golf tournament, a carnival, and games for adults & children.

Outdoor recreation is a big part of community life, from organized youth sports to individual and family activities.

[30] Additional outdoor recreation is available at Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge about 10 miles (16 km) north of town.