Cities and Towns in Marion County, Missouri

Founded in 1826, Marion County is one of 114 counties in the state of Missouri. Historically, Marion County was formed from Ralls County. The city of Palmyra is the county seat. With FIPS code of 127, Marion County has a population of 28,518 and area of 438 square miles (1,134 km²).

List of all cities in Marion County, MO alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Clay, MO	63401	573
Ely, MO	63461	573
Hannibal, MO	63401	573
Huntington, MO	63401	573
Ilasco, MO	63401	573
Maywood, MO	63454	573
Monkey Run, MO	63401	573
Palmyra, MO	63461	573
Philadelphia, MO	63463	573
Rensselaer, MO	63401	573
South River, MO	63461	573
Spalding, MO	63401	573
Taylor, MO	63471	573
West Ely, MO	63401	573
West Quincy, MO	63471	573
Withers Mill, MO	63401	573
	63461	573
Woodland, MO	63461	573

Major Cities and Towns in Marion County, Missouri

Hannibal

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 15.56 sq mi
• Population: 17,378 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 63401, 63402
• Latitude: 39.7080° N
• Longitude: 91.3985° W

Location and History

Hannibal, Missouri, is located along the Mississippi River in the northeastern part of the state and is the largest city in Marion County. The city is renowned as the boyhood home of author Mark Twain, which has greatly contributed to its cultural and historical significance. Founded in 1819, Hannibal grew rapidly in the early 19th century as a steamboat port and trading hub, playing a key role in the river transport system. During the 1830s and 1840s, Hannibal was a busy industrial and commercial center, and its location along the river made it vital to the transportation of goods in the midwest. The town also holds historical importance as a stop on the Underground Railroad, as many runaway slaves found refuge here before continuing their journey north. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Hannibal’s economy shifted from river trade to manufacturing and tourism, spurred by the popularity of Twain’s novels, particularly The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Today, Hannibal continues to be a vibrant city with a rich history, serving as a popular destination for tourists eager to experience its historic landmarks and riverfront views.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Hannibal is served by the Hannibal R-III School District, which includes several elementary schools, Hannibal Middle School, and Hannibal High School. The district is known for its high academic standards and extracurricular programs, including sports and the fine arts. Notable landmarks in Hannibal include the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum, which preserves the childhood home of the famous author and offers exhibits about his life and works. The museum attracts visitors from around the world who are interested in learning more about Twain’s influence on American literature. Another key landmark is the Mississippi River, where visitors can enjoy riverboat cruises and take in views of the historic waterfront. The city also features the Mark Twain Cave, which Twain himself explored as a boy, and is now a popular tourist attraction. The annual National Tom Sawyer Days, held each July, celebrates the literary legacy of Hannibal with parades, games, and reenactments. With its blend of natural beauty, historic charm, and literary heritage, Hannibal remains one of Missouri’s most beloved towns.

Palmyra

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 1.07 sq mi
• Population: 3,421 (2020 Census)
• Zip Code: 63461
• Latitude: 39.7692° N
• Longitude: 91.5316° W

Location and History

Palmyra is a small city located in the western part of Marion County, Missouri, about 15 miles south of Hannibal. The city was founded in 1823 and named after Palmyra, New York, in recognition of early settlers’ origins. Palmyra developed quickly due to its strategic location along the stagecoach route between St. Louis and the Midwest. Its growth was further boosted when the railroad arrived in the mid-1800s, establishing it as a vital transportation hub for agricultural products and livestock in the region. Historically, Palmyra played an important role during the Civil War as a strategic location in the conflict between Union and Confederate forces, with the nearby Battle of Mark’s Mills being a significant event. In the post-war years, the town saw the development of many of its now-historic buildings and its growth as an agricultural center. Though small, Palmyra has maintained its role as an important community in Marion County, offering both historical charm and modern conveniences. The city is known for its beautiful, tree-lined streets and proximity to the Mississippi River, making it a serene and picturesque location for both residents and visitors.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Palmyra is served by the Palmyra R-I School District, which includes Palmyra High School, Palmyra Middle School, and Palmyra Elementary School. The district offers a well-rounded educational experience, with strong academic programs, sports teams, and extracurricular activities. Palmyra is also home to a number of historic landmarks, such as the Marion County Courthouse, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The courthouse is an important symbol of the city’s heritage and serves as the center of local government. Another key landmark is the Palmyra City Park, which offers recreational opportunities including sports fields, walking trails, and picnic areas for families and visitors to enjoy. The city’s location near the Mississippi River provides access to water-based activities such as boating and fishing. Palmyra also celebrates its history and culture with annual events like the Palmyra Homecoming, which features a parade, live entertainment, and local food vendors. The city’s rich history and community-oriented atmosphere make it a welcoming place for both visitors and residents.

Philadelphia

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 0.23 sq mi
• Population: 96 (2020 Census)
• Zip Code: 63463
• Latitude: 39.7565° N
• Longitude: 91.3313° W

Location and History

Philadelphia is a small, unincorporated community located in the southeastern corner of Marion County, Missouri, near the town of Palmyra. The settlement of Philadelphia was established in the 1830s and named after the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The town was initially a stop on the stagecoach route and became a modest trading post for settlers in the region. Although Philadelphia never grew large, it did play a role in the early development of Marion County, particularly during the westward expansion of settlers into Missouri. The town remains rural and sparsely populated, with most of its history tied to the agrarian economy that once dominated the region. Today, Philadelphia is a quiet, residential area that offers a glimpse into the past, with its old homes and farmland serving as reminders of the area’s early days. While it lacks the commercial and tourist activity seen in nearby Hannibal or Palmyra, Philadelphia continues to be a peaceful place to live for those who enjoy small-town, rural life.

Major Schools and Landmarks

As a small unincorporated community, Philadelphia does not have its own schools, and children typically attend the nearby schools in Palmyra or Hannibal. However, the town is surrounded by farmland, and residents are often involved in agriculture or small local businesses. There are no major landmarks in Philadelphia itself, but the community is near to several historical and natural sites in the surrounding area. The town is located close to the Mississippi River, which offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities. The nearby city of Palmyra, with its historical courthouse, city park, and other community centers, serves as a nearby point of interest for visitors and residents. Although Philadelphia is small, its rural charm and proximity to larger towns in the region allow it to maintain a quiet, simple atmosphere while being close to many of the attractions of Marion County and the surrounding areas.