Marion County was formed in 1842 from Harrison and Monongalia counties and was named for Revolutionary hero Gen. Francis Marion. It was the home of Francis H. Pierpont, a leader in the formation of this State, and the Monongahela River forms just above Fairmont. Monongalia County was formed in 1776 from the District of West Augusta. All or parts of 21 other counties, including three in Pennsylvania, were carved from it. It was named for the Monongahela River, an Indian name meaning the "River of Caving Banks."