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.
