Union County was formed in 1821. It was so named because it is the product of a union of parts of Fayette, Franklin and Wayne counties. The first settlers were from South Carolina.

The Union County Historical Society doesn’t date back that far, but they work diligently to preserve Union County history of people and places from the past – John Templeton was an earlier settler in Union County. The Templeton Log Cabin was built in 1805 and moved to the present site 1980 by the Union County Historical Society.

The UC Historical Society Depot Museum on East Railroad Street holds many items from the past. It is open to the public every Sunday from 2 pm - 4 p.m. in June, July, and  August. To tour the Depot, go to [email protected].

At the present time the historical society has given the Old Water Works House at 302 N. Main Street new life in the form of the Water Works Market and is eager to share it with the community. 

At the Water Works Market, you will find a Gift Gallery inside the building and a Farmer’s Market set up outside the building. 

The Gift Gallery has attracted a few local vendors who have stocked their wares and are eager to extend a warm welcome to all.

Farmer’s Market venders may set up all round the building. According to UCHS president Steve Logue, parking will be available as needed at the parking lots of adjacent businesses.

The Water Works Market spent its first day of business this past Saturday, June 25, and will continue to be open Saturdays at the present time.

So the Union County Historical Society has come full circle – from collecting and preserving the past in many forms to providing the community with a new venture - a market place filled with local people not only inside, but outside as well.