Historical Markers in
Union County, South Carolina

Balloon Landing, 1861 Battle of Blackstock Battle of Blackstock’s Cemetery of Union Church Colonel William Farr Cross Keys House Culp-Beaty Hall Episcopal Church Of The Nativity Fair Forest Plantation / Emslie Nicholson House Fairforest Church Fairforest Meeting Flat Rock Cemetery Furman L Fendley Highway Gist Cemetery Jefferson Davis Dined in This House John Pratt Jonesville Confederate Monument Jonesville Veterans Monument Kelton Lynching in America / Lynching in Union County after 1877 Otterson's Fort Padgett’s Creek Baptist Church Poplar Grove School Presbyterian Cemetery Professor Lowe Balloon Landing Site Reconstruction Era Lynchings in Union County / Union County Jail Raid Massacre Rose Hill Mansion Sims High School Sims High School Site of Union Church, 1783-1819 Some Gave All The Old Quaker Cemetary Thomas N. Dawkins House Union Community Hospital Union County Confederate Monument Union County Jail Union County Lynchings of 1871 Union County Revolutionary War Union County Veterans Memorial Union Memorial Gardens Veterans Monument Union Mill
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Union County, located in the northwestern part of South Carolina, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back centuries. The area that is now Union County was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Catawba. In the 18th century, European settlers began to arrive, primarily from Scotland, Ireland, and England. These early settlers established small agricultural communities and played a significant role in the development of the region.

Union County's history is closely tied to the American Revolutionary War. During the war, it was a hotbed of Tory activity, with many residents remaining loyal to the British Crown. The locally-established partisan groups, known as "Patriots," played a crucial role in combating these loyalists. The Battle of Musgrove Mill, which took place in present-day Union County in 1780, was a significant turning point in the region's history, as the Patriots defeated a larger Loyalist force.

In the early 19th century, Union County experienced a period of rapid growth and industrialization. The completion of the Columbia-to-Camden Railroad in 1842, which passed through Union, facilitated the transportation of goods and further stimulated economic development. The textile industry also flourished during this time, with several cotton mills being established along the Broad River.

Like many parts of the American South, Union County faced significant challenges during the Civil War and the Reconstruction era that followed. Many of the county's residents fought for the Confederate cause, and the area suffered greatly during the conflict. The post-war years brought economic hardships, political tensions, and social upheaval, as the county dealt with the aftermath of slavery and the reintegration of former slaves into society.

Today, Union County is known for its charming small towns, picturesque rural landscapes, and a robust manufacturing sector. The county's history is celebrated through various historical sites and events, such as the Union County Historical Society. The rich tapestry of Union County's past continues to shape its present and provide a foundation for its future.

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

  • 1785 - Union County is established and named after the Union Church.
  • 1791 - The first courthouse is constructed in the county seat of Union.
  • 1803 - Pinckneyville becomes the new county seat.
  • 1816 - The courthouse is moved back to Union.
  • 1839 - Union Academy, the first public school in the county, is established.
  • 1854 - The South Carolina Railroad is completed, boosting the local economy.
  • 1861-1865 - Union County is heavily affected by the American Civil War.
  • 1871 - Union County's first cotton mill, known as the Monarch Mill, is built.
  • 1893 - Union County is struck by a devastating tornado.
  • 1923 - Lockhart Power Plant is completed, providing electricity to the area.
  • 1950s - Union County experiences a decline in population and agricultural activity.
  • 1990s - The county's economy starts to shift toward manufacturing and services.
  • 2010s - Union County continues to grow and diversify its economy.