Located in north-central Ohio, Marion County is comprised of 15 townships that are situated across a variety of terrains ranging from gently rolling hills and streams to broad prairies in the northern portion of the county. As the county seat of government, the city of Marion matured into a bustling center of industry and commerce, and the outlying villages of Caledonia, Clairdon, LaRue, Morral, Prospect, and Waldo provided nearby residents with services and community interaction closer to their rural homes. LaRue holds the distinction of being the smallest community ever awarded a National Football League franchise—the Oorang Indians, captained by Olympian Jim Thorpe. An important rail center, the city of Marion also welcomed the world in 1920 when Warren G. Harding conducted his front porch campaign from his home on Mount Vernon Avenue.