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City of Marion, often referred to as "Hub of the Universe" boasts itself not only by having a dynamic business economy but also by being the regional shopping, dining, hospitality and entertainment hub. Marion is the second largest city in Southern Illinois and serves as the region's largest retail trade center located at the intersection of Illinois Route 13 and Interstate 57. Originally platted in 1839 to become the county seat of the newly-created Williamson County it was named after the Revolutionary War hero Gen. Francis "Swamp Fox" Marion. Today it's now home to at least 17,011 residents according to a special census conducted in November 2006, and is continuing to grow. The city's longtime municipal leader, Mayor Robert L. "Bob" Butler has borrowed Boston's moniker giving the city its slogan of "Marion: Hub of the Universe". It sits at the edge of the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge with the Shawnee National Forest just a few miles away. Southwest of the city is the United States Penitentiary (USP) Marion, the federal government's replacement for Alcatraz which later served as the nation's first federal supermax prison. Historic Tornado On May 29, 1982, one of the most memorable, larger tornadoes in Illinois history, an F-4 (max. wind speeds 207-260 mph), hit the city of Marion, Illinois and Williamson County. Ten people lost their lives and 200 people were left injured after this tornado ripped across a 17-mile (27 km) stretch. The Shawnee apartment complex was destroyed and the Marion Ford-Mercury dealership sustained heavy damage. This tornado caused between $85.0 million and $100.0 million in damages. The Marion Cultural and Civic Center In 2004 the Marion Civic Center was awarded the Frank Lloyd Wright Award - Special Recognition from the American Institute of Architects, Illinois Chapter, at the organization's annual ceremony.The 35,000-square-foot (3,300 m
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