A Glimpse of Union's Intriguing History

Maybe you have lived in Union or the surrounding area your entire life. Maybe you are a "transplant" that has only been here a short time. Either way, how much do you know about the community in which you live?

Union is more than just "the place where your house is located."

This city has a history rich with significance and intrigue! Travel back in time with me now as I take you through a quick tour of Union, from its roots to what you know today.

The city of Union, as many of you know, is the county seat for Franklin county. The name Union was chosen to represent a coming together of people and ideas. In 1827, the post office was established and is the longest running post office in Franklin County.

The first courthouse was a small, log building that was replaced with the current building in 1923. In 1970 it was completely remodeled after being bombed as a diversion for a bank robbery.

The first settlers were French, followed by people from states like Virginia and others east of the Mississippi, soon after followed by German immigrants. In 1887, Union experienced a population boom after the St. Louis-Kansas City and Colorado railroad made it's way here.

By the 1840's there were businesses such as general stores, a hotel, a tavern, flour mill, blacksmith, and several tradesmen, including a cabinet maker, a shoemaker, and a wagon builder. In 1907, the first successful factory was established, National Corn Cob Pipe Works. Now, Union boasts over 300 successful businesses and factories.

There were several Civil War skirmishes that occurred right here in many of our back yards. The only two states that had more Civil War battles than Missouri are Virginia and Tennessee.

In 1920, on Palm Sunday, there was an outbreak of tornadoes all across Missouri. Due to the lack of technology, ability to forecast, public awareness and communication, many people were caught off guard. According to newspaper reports, several barns and a bridge (one of the famed covered bridges) were destroyed, and the shoe factory was unroofed.

The Bourbeuse River, starting in Gasconade County, winds its way through Union before emptying into the Meramec River. It was named by the French pioneers: "bourbeux,-euse" meaning muddy, murky, sloughy, sloshy, an adjective derived from the noun "bourbe," mud.

East Central College, positioned on 200 acres and enrolling 3,500 students a year, was established in 1968. The first classes were offered at the temporary location of City Hall.

So you see, there is much more to Union than you might think. This was just a quick overview of some of Union's rich history, but there is much more to learn.

Come along with us as we help you Experience Union!



Sources: Union, MO Chamber of Commerce, City of Union, Missouri, The Historical Society of Missouri, National Weather Service

Author: Gussie Schmitz
Photography: Michelle Anne of MK Designs