Marion, Illinois, located in the center of beautiful Southern Illinois, is the county seat for Williamson County, but is also a part of Johnson County. Located at the intersection of I-57 and Rt. 13, Marion has been a hub for businesses and industries for the region.  Robert Lee Butler served as mayor of Marion from 1963 to 2018; when he resigned, he was the second longest-serving mayor in the United States.  Today, Mayor Mike Absher serves Marion and has been instrumental in revitalization and investment efforts for the historic downtown square known as Town Square Plaza and other areas of the city.

Banterra has a dominant presence in Marion which includes four branch locations, an administrative office and an IT office.  Our branch locations include Banterra Drive (in front of Home Depot; on Rt. 13), Carbon Street (near La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant), Downtown (right off the square, behind The Citadel Building) and inside Kroger.  We also have Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs) which offer more banking services than an ATM via a live teller and extended hours from the branches.  ITMs are located at our Banterra Drive and Kroger locations.

Marion’s beginning began in 1839 when, appointed by legislatures, three commissioners were tasked to locate a suitable site for a new county seat. William and Bethany Benson gifted 20 acres for the new town site, and while there is no record of the reasoning, it is believed to have been named Marion after Francis Marion, a Revolutionary War hero.  A new town charter was secured in 1841, county seat charter secured in 1856 and a railroad established in 1872.  Marion was officially granted a charter as a city in 1874.

Today, where the original courthouse stood is Marion’s clock tower, the center of Town Square Plaza.  The City of Marion has invested in the revitalization of this area, including fountains, an ice-skating rink, parking/infrastructure and a new city hall location in the restored 1903 First National Bank building.  The town square also now offers, or will soon, businesses in restore historic buildings including Granny Puckett’s Bakery, Little Nashville, Seasonings, Rt. 15 Brewery, The Vault and EThOs co-working space.  Also on the square is the Marion Cultural and Civic Center which features musical productions and concerts.  Just a short drive west is the The HUB Recreation Center that has an activity for anyone.

Marion has growing businesses near I-57 and one of the largest contributors is the Black Diamond Family of Businesses. What began with Black Diamond Harley Davidson, a huge regional attraction, has now expanded to other community investments.  This organization is converting the former mall to an outdoor and entertainment shopping center known as the Oasis.  It currently already includes Oasis Power Sports Shop and Oasis Outdoors Home Center, and it will also include restaurants, go-kart racing, and golf-related activities.  This organization also purchased and manages the Marion Stadium, home to Prospect League baseball team – the Thrillville Thrillbillies.

Many jobs are generated from manufacturing and distribution centers like Aisin Manufacturing, Pepsi Mid America, ReaderLink, the new FedEx distribution center, and in coming years, Saline River Farms. Hospitals include Heartland Regional Medical Center (owned by Deaconess Regional Healthcare Services) and Marion VA Medical Center.

Home to the Wildcats, Marion Unit 2 School District consists of four elementary schools (K-5), Marion Junior High School (6-8), Adams School (K-8) and Marion High School (9-12).

Thank You for Choosing Banterra Bank in Marion, Illinois 

Banterra Bank knows you have your choice of Marion banks. Through attentive customer service and products that help you manage your finances well, we work hard to earn your business. Thank you for choosing Banterra Bank and the Marion - Kroger branch.