Historical Markers in
Union County, Ohio

American Legion Memorial Park American Legion Memorial Park / Marysville Municipal Swimming Pool Amerine Veterans Memorial Amrine Settlement / Amrine Cemetery AMVETS Post 28 Veterans Memorial Bethlehem Claibourne Veterans Memorial Bigelow Bridge / The Darby Plains Bridgeport / Bridgeport Iron Bridge Broadway Cemetery Veterans Memorial Byhalia School Veterans Memorial Cheney Cemetery Veterans Memorial Colonel Noah Orr Company E, 166th Infantry, 42nd (Rainbow) DivisionWorld War Memorial Culbertson Covered Bridge / Reuben L. Partridge (1823- 1900) Bridge Builder Cyprian Lee House / Colonel Noah Orr, “Union County Giant” DAR Revolutionary Veterans Memorial Darby Township Veterans Memorial Darby Township Veterans Memorial Greeneville Treaty Line / Greeneville Treaty Line in Union County Greenville Treaty Line / Indian Boundary Honor Roll 1918 Jerome Township Civil War Memorial Jerome Township Soldiers' Monument Jerome Township Veterans Memorial Jerome United Methodist Church/Company E, 30th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Joshua Ewing Magnetic Springs Major General Robert Sprague Beightler Marysville Journal-Tribune Clock Marysville, Ohio Milford Center Veterans Memorial Mitchell Cemetery Stone #1 Mitchell Cemetery Stone #2 Mitchell Cemetery Stone #3 New California Church North Union District Veterans' Memorial Monument Pottersburg Bridge Reuben L. Partridge Richwood Opera House and Town Hall Site of Union County's Block House Soldier's Circle Spain Creek Covered Bridge Spanish American Veterans Memorial St.John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church and School The Civil War Cannons The Oldest Brick House in Marysville The Village of Milford Center Union County Chapter 55 D.A.V. Veterans Memorial Union County Veterans Monument Union County, Ohio / Union County Courthouse Union County’s First Courthouse Union Township Civil War Monument Union Township Civil War Monument Unionville Center Veterans of Foreign Wars War Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars War Memorial Vice President Charles Warren Fairbanks / Charles Warren Fairbanks Birthplace Virginia Military District War of 1812 Blockhouse York Center WW II Veterans Memorial York Township Veterans Memorial
The Wright brothers, who invented and flew the first successful airplane, were from Dayton, Ohio. The city is now home to the National Museum of the United States Air Force.
Union County, Ohio, located in the Midwestern United States, has a rich and diverse history dating back to the early 1800s. The area was first settled by Europeans in the late 1700s and early 1800s, primarily by immigrants from the Eastern United States, Scotland, and Ireland. The county was officially established on April 1, 1820, making it one of the oldest counties in Ohio.

During its early years, Union County developed as a primarily agricultural community, with farming being the main industry. The fertile soil and favorable climate allowed for the production of a wide range of crops, including grains, fruits, and vegetables. The construction of the Miami and Erie Canal in the 1830s further boosted the local economy, as it provided a convenient transportation route for goods and people.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Union County experienced significant growth and development. The railroad industry played a key role in this expansion, with the establishment of railroad lines connecting the county to other parts of the state. This facilitated the transport of agricultural products and encouraged the growth of manufacturing and industrial sectors. Some notable industries during this time included farm machinery manufacturing, textile mills, and cheese factories.

In the present day, Union County continues to thrive as a diverse and vibrant community. While agriculture still plays a significant role in the county's economy, other industries such as healthcare, education, and technology have also emerged. The county is known for its excellent schools, charming small towns, and beautiful natural landscapes. It remains a place where residents can enjoy a blend of rural and suburban living, with easy access to the amenities of nearby metropolitan areas.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Union County, Ohio.

  • 1820: Union County is officially established as a county in the state of Ohio.
  • 1839: The first courthouse is constructed in Union County.
  • 1861-1865: Union County residents actively participate in the American Civil War.
  • 1874: The first railroad line, the Ohio Central Railroad, is completed in Union County.
  • 1927: The infamous Tri-State Tornado passes through Union County, causing significant damage.
  • 1936-1938: The Works Progress Administration constructs several infrastructure projects in Union County, including roads and public buildings.
  • 1954: Honda Motor Co., Ltd. is founded in Japan, eventually leading to the establishment of the Honda Motorcycle Plant in Union County in 1979.
  • 1979: Honda begins production at the Marysville Motorcycle Plant, becoming a major employer in Union County.
  • 1990: Honda starts car production in Marysville, bringing further economic growth to Union County.
  • 2004: Honda opens the East Liberty Auto Plant in Union County, further expanding their presence in the region.
  • Present: Union County continues to thrive as a center for manufacturing and agriculture, with a growing population and economy.