A drive through Union, WV gives one clues that the small town is rich in history. It doesn’t take but a minute to get from one side of town to the other, as there’s no traffic lights or other hindrances. No fast food restaurants or big chain stores, either. However, you will find many homes, churches and businesses residing in antebellum structures from past glory days that survived the Civil War and the ravages of time.
On a high point, at the east edge of town, is Green Hill Cemetery. It’s been there since the town’s early days, and overlooks the community and surrounding area. Some 2,000 grave markers dot the hillside, from early, simple slabs roughly hewed out of local stone, to elaborate monuments of imported marble.
A look north from the cemetery reveals a farm with a large Greek Revival style home, known as Elmwood Estate. It was built by Hugh Caperton sometime during the 1830s. His son, Allen, the first Confederate elected to the U.S. Senate after the Civil War, also made it his home. In 1864, some 10,000 Union troops, under the command of Gen. George Crook occuppied Union for five days. They looted the estate, as well as others in the area, and took what they wanted, leaving the fine home in a state of near ruin. Today, Elmwood serves as a wedding and events venue.
The community had strong southern ties, and 13 confederate companies were formed in the county. Confederate General John Echols made his home just below the cemetery in another fine example of Greek Revival architecture. He practiced law there until the start of the war, when he was given command of the 27th Virginia Infantry, leading the regiment in the fighting at the First Battle of Manassas under Stonewall Jackson. A monument to Confederate soldiers was dedicated in 1901. It lies behind Union Presbyterian Church, which the current building was built in 1922.
The Monroe County Courthouse dates to 1881. It’s built in a Romanesque style, and still serves the community’s municipal needs. There’s a number of churches, some dating to before the Civil War. One, just a couple of miles to the east of Union is Rehoboth Methodist Church, the oldest surviving protestant house of worship west of the Allegheny Mountains.
For such a small town, population around 600, and county seat of Monroe County, there’s a lot to see. I would suggest that anyone interested in history, photography, or just a diversion, to get out and visit. Walk the streets, visit the shops, and stop for lunch at one of several small town eateries. For photographers, a wide-angle lens is a must, and you’ll also want the range of a telephoto. A day with puffy, white clouds can’t be beat.
What a lovely and very thoughtful article. Thank you for sharing. If you would like to discuss Union, Elmwood or anything g else regarding local history feel free to contact us any time.
Chris and Anita Wszolek
ELMWOOD
434 422 0258
Thank you. I expect you’ll be hearing from me when I have a little extra time.
My Grandmother grew up in Monroe County, WV. Her name was Minnie Lou Raines Johnson. She was married to Nathan Johnson. Her brother in law was William Simpson Johnson, Both of the brothers moved to Fayette County WV. My mother was name “Willia” after William “Bill” Johnson. (Her Uncle, My great uncle) William Simpson Johnson eventually became a representative in Charleston, WV. He is best known as the “Pistol” Bill Johnson because he was the writer of the bill for everyone to have a license to carry a gun. His family lived in the Charleston area right down the street from the State Capital. My mother was named after him Johnson has his official residence at Charleston, but his home is at Mount Hope in Fayette County. William was elected as a member of the WV State Senate in 1904. He also held many other important positions…. The History of West Virginia, Old and New Published 1923, The American Historical Society, Inc., Chicago and New York, Volume III, pg. 52-53
His picture is in the Fayette County Court House in
Fayetteville, WV
William Simpson “Pistol Bill” Johnson (1871-1942) – Find A …
http://www.findagrave.com/memorial/91900998/william-simpson-johnson
William Simpson “Pistol Bill” Johnson (1871 – 1942 …
https://www.geni.com/people/William-Johnson/6000000003723563361
Genealogy profile for William Simpson . Genealogy for William Simpson “Pistol Bill” Johnson (1871 – 1942) family tree on Geni, with over 190 million profiles of ancestors and living relatives. People Projects Discussions … Fayette, West Virginia: Death:
William Simpson “Pistol Bill” Johnson (1871-1942) – Find A …
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/91900998
Johnson taught in Fayette County for about ten years. In 1902 he was elected county superintendent of schools of Fayette County, holding that office four years. While still county superintendent he was elected in 1904 a member of the State Senate from Fayette County.
Burial: Spring Hill Cemetery, Charleston, …
Location: Charleston, West Virginia
Memorial ID: 91900998 · View Source
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Descendants of WIlliam Johnson of Kanawha Co, VA – Person Page
http://www.fridley.net/johnsonkan/p278.htm
Erna Bly Young and William Simpson ‘Pistol Bill’ Johnsonappeared on the census as head of household at 1521 Lee St E, Charleston, Kanawha Co, WV, in Apr 1930.3. (informant) Death. 3 Aug 1942. Erna was informant for the death of William Simpson ‘Pistol Bill’ Johnsonat 1521 Lee St E, Charleston, Kanawha Co, WV, on 3 Aug 1942.4,1.
Johnson has his official residence at Charleston, but his home is at Mount Hope in Fayette County. William was elected as a member of the WV State Senate in 1904. He also held many other important positions…. The History of West Virginia, Old and New Published 1923, The American Historical Society, Inc., Chicago and New York, Volume III, pg. 52-53
William Simpson “Pistol Bill” Johnson (1871-1942) – Find A …
http://www.findagrave.com/memorial/91900998/william-simpson-johnson
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William Simpson “Pistol Bill” Johnson (1871 – 1942 …
https://www.geni.com/people/William-Johnson/6000000003723563361
Genealogy profile for William Simpson . Genealogy for William Simpson “Pistol Bill” Johnson (1871 – 1942) family tree on Geni, with over 190 million profiles of ancestors and living relatives. People Projects Discussions … Fayette, West Virginia: Death:
William Simpson “Pistol Bill” Johnson (1871-1942) – Find A …
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/91900998
Johnson taught in Fayette County for about ten years. In 1902 he was elected county superintendent of schools of Fayette County, holding that office four years. While still county superintendent he was elected in 1904 a member of the State Senate from Fayette County.
Burial: Spring Hill Cemetery, Charleston, …
Location: Charleston, West Virginia
Memorial ID: 91900998 · View Source
Images of William Simpson Johnson Fayette County Wv
bing.com/images
See all
See more images of William Simpson Johnson Fayette County Wv
Descendants of WIlliam Johnson of Kanawha Co, VA – Person Page
http://www.fridley.net/johnsonkan/p278.htm
Erna Bly Young and William Simpson ‘Pistol Bill’ Johnsonappeared on the census as head of household at 1521 Lee St E, Charleston, Kanawha Co, WV, in Apr 1930.3. (informant) Death. 3 Aug 1942. Erna was informant for the death of William Simpson ‘Pistol Bill’ Johnsonat 1521 Lee St E, Charleston, Kanawha Co, WV, on 3 Aug 1942.4,1.