Marion County is a county government organization located in the U.S. state of Oregon, with its county seat in Salem, which also serves as the state capital. Established in 1843, Marion County was one of the original four districts created by the Provisional Government of Oregon. The county was named after Francis Marion, a Revolutionary War general known as the “Swamp Fox.” Marion County encompasses 1,194 square miles and is situated in the Willamette Valley region. The county government provides essential services to approximately 350,000 residents through various departments including public works, health and human services, public safety, tax assessment, and land management. The Board of Commissioners serves as the county’s primary governing body, consisting of three elected commissioners who oversee policy decisions and county operations. The county is a significant agricultural producer in Oregon, particularly known for its berry farms, nursery stock, and grass seed production. It is home to several notable institutions including Willamette University, the Oregon State Hospital, and multiple state government facilities. The county government manages numerous parks, maintains over 1,100 miles of roads, operates justice and law enforcement services, and provides public health programs. Marion County also coordinates with federal and state agencies for emergency management and natural resource conservation.