Marion Public Schools. The town of Marion, a German settlement, was founded in 1877 as a marketing and shipping point for the Galveston, Harrisburg, and San Antonio Railroad. T. W. Peirce donated $3,000 and land for free public schools in Marion. In 1878 the first schoolhouse was built. In 1917 a brick building facing Cunningham Street replaced the first school. In 1938 a third building was constructed by the Works Progress Administration. As student enrollment increased, the grades were split into three schools. The community continues the tradition of strong support of its district schools. (1996) #3215