Union County lies in the Piedmont of South Carolina with a population of about 29,000 people. The county and county seat’s namesake, Union Church, served as a Presbyterian and Episcopal church for what is now the town of Union.
Scotch-Irish settlers from Virginia and Pennsylvania first came to the area in the mid-18th century. Soon after, in 1785, Union County was founded within the Ninety-Six District. However, the county was added to Pinckney District in 1791 and did not become its own district until Pinckney District broke apart in 1800.
The county boasts a rich military history. A number of Revolutionary War battles took place in the county, including the battles of Musgrove’s Mill and Blackstocks. Thomas Brandon and Joseph McJunkin, who both played important roles in the Revolutionary War, were from Union County. Two Confederate generals also called Union County home.
About Union. Accessed June 10, 2016 . http://www.countyofunion.org/site/cpage.asp?cpage_id=180009068&sec_id=180003405&nc=1465591530374
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Rose Hill PlantationThe Union County Home of South Carolina’s “Fire-Eating” Governor Today Is a State Park Article & Photos by Jason Peevy Winter 2002-2003 Rose Hill Plantation, serenely situated in...
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The second county courthouse for Union County, built in 1827, was photographed in 1904 shortly before it was torn down in 1908 to make way for a new courthouse. Formed from the old Ninety Six District...
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Farmers in the Upcountry of South Carolina continued to live well into the 20th century in log cabins, like this one in Union County, that their original eighteenth or nineteenth builders may have...
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Governor Gist ran the state from his home in Union, S.C. It is now part of the Rosehill Plantation State Historic Site.
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Union County's most famous military organization was "The Johnson Rifles." Named in honor of Governor David Johnson, these riflemen were the first South Carolinians to report for duty in the Mexican...
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The people of Union county are known for their fondness of barbeque. Union is known as the "Hash Capital of the World". Jack O'Dell, a local restaurant owner, has been in the barbeque business for...
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Rose Hill Plantation, once an 8,000 acre plantation located in Union, South Carolina, was once the home of secessionist governor William Henry Gist, one of the signers of the secession document...
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Nancy Basket, a Cherokee basket maker, discusses her family tradition of hand-making baskets. This tradition goes back generations, dating back to the days when the Cherokee territory extended into...
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Union, South Carolina, first began as Unionville, first established in 1791. It is derived from Union Church, comprised of mainly Episcopalian and Presbyterian congregations. Union started out as a...
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Merridun Mansion, once an Antebellum era home, became revitalized after years of abandonment, by two retired naval officers. Merridun Mansion is now a country inn and popular tourist attraction.