ABOUT UNION COUNTY
History, Tradition, and a Strong Sense of Community
Union County was named for the old Union Church, erected in 1765 near the present day town of Union. The early settlers in the area were mainly Scotch-Irish from Virginia and Pennsylvania who began immigrating to the South Carolina upcountry in the 1750s.
Union County residents take great pride in their pioneering roots that date back to the country's birth. That underlying strength has endured providing the community with a strong sense of pride and cooperation...cooperation that helps its citizens work together to build a prosperous future.
A rich and fabled history provides the foundation for much of the county's allure. Union County was the scene of several significant battles during the Revolutionary War, including the battles of Musgrove's Mill (August 18, 1780), and the Battle of Blackstock (November 20, 1780).
But, there is much more to Union. The people exhibit a strong character and friendliness that is hard to find. Civic clubs, and over 100 Churches are an integral part of life here, sponsoring programs that help the needy, provide support for senior citizens, and work with young people.
The scenic Broad River
Union County Dragway
Leisure and Activities
Union County's lifestyle offers a variety of opportunities for leisure activities and relaxation. Golf, tennis, youth sports, championship high school athletic programs, a national championship ROTC rifle team, and a host of outdoor recreational opportunities highlight Union County's quality of life. When added to very affordable housing with a number of architectural choices and a low cost of living, there is no doubt that Union County is a great place to raise your family.
For the outdoor enthusiast, Union County offers considerable resources for hunting, boating, fishing, camping, or simply relaxing in the great outdoors. Nearly 55,000 acres of the County have been reserved as part of the Sumter National Forest which is nationally known for its abundance of deer and wild turkey. Thousands of hunters converge on Union County each year during turkey and deer season to take part in some of the best hunting in the country.
The scenic Broad River flows through Union County and the Upstate of South Carolina, not only providing electricity, but serving as a recreation source for those who enjoy canoe trips, sliding past pine forests and getting an opportunity to enjoy nature upclose. 24-mile stretch along the Tyger River in Union County is designated as the Tyger River Float Trip and a 30-mile stretch along the Enoree River provides another enjoyable boating excursion for those who love the water and nature. The Palmetto Trail, a hiking and camping path which stretches from the mountains to the Atlantic coast will cross a 25-mile length of Union County when completed.
Fishermen enjoy the county's five lakes where they fish for bream, bass, and catfish. In addition to the Broad, Tyger, Pacolet, andEnoree Rivers, Union County residents are within a short drive to several lakes with excellent fishing, camping, and watersport opportunities.
Union County has always played an integral role in the history of South Carolina. From Revolutionary War battles, to antebellum plantations, and a legacy of Civil War history, Union County residents are proud of their past. Rose Hill Plantation State Park offers a nostalgic look at the antebellum South. Located just minutes from downtown Union, Rose Hill State Park provides visitors with an array of activities on the grounds of the home of the former secession Governor of South Carolina, Henry Gist. Built between 1828-1832, Rose Hill Plantation has been beautifully restored and visitors can enjoy tours of the home and gardens. The park also offers picnic areas, walking and bike trails, and nature trails.
The Upstate Region
South Carolina’s Upstate region, which includes the Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson areas, is located at the base of the Blue Ridge Escarpment and the Appalachian Mountains.
As the nation was forming in 1776, the region's first business was built – a trading station and grist mill – on the falls of the Reedy River in what is now downtown Greenville. Following the Revolutionary War, treaties with the Native Americans opened up what was called the Pendleton District – now Anderson, Pickens, and Oconee Counties, and settlers flowed in. Many settlers planted cotton, which, combined with the development of the cotton gin and the waterpower available from the region's rivers, provided the foundation for the textile industry.
Today, diverse businesses from around the world have put down roots in the Upstate, making it one of the fastest-growing areas in the nation. The region’s quality of life is a positive feature and recruiting advantage for some of the world’s most recognized companies, including: BMW, Michelin, Fluor Daniel, and Mita. The Upstate has a long and remarkable history as an area that attracts and nurtures technological innovation and application across broad industry sectors.
Environment and Climate
Due to its southeastern location and varied terrain, South Carolina has a number of different climates, ranging from temperate to sub-tropical; yet, all are mild and conducive to year-round outdoor activity. There are four distinct seasons, but warm weather prevails through most of the year. Average temperatures range from the 40’s in the winter to the 80’s in the summer. There is very little frozen precipitation during the winter months, and the frozen precipitation that does occur rarely accumulates to an extent that results in business closures and travel delays. South Carolina’s temperate climate is not only a benefit in terms of quality of life, but also allows for year-round construction activity, an uninterrupted flow of transportation, and worker availability.
