Union City, Michigan
Union City is a quaint and charming 19th Century River Village located in southwest Michigan that features turn-of-the-century architecture and preserved historic downtown buildings. Settled in 1833, Union City took it’s name from the "union" of the Coldwater and St. Joseph Rivers, which join there. Recreational access to the rivers and nearby Union Lake invite residents and visitors alike to enjoy the waterways and picnic in the surrounding parks. Incorporated as a city in 1866, Union City residents are looking forward to celebrating their Sesquicentennial in 2016.
History
First settled by Justin Goodwin in 1833, Goodwin built a mill here and became the first postmaster, calling it "Goodwinville." A year later, he sold several hundred acres to E. W. Morgan, who officially platted the site, renaming it from the "union" of the Coldwater and St. Joseph Rivers, which join here.
Built in 1839, the second oldest home in Union City was designated "Station No. 2" of the Underground Railroad. In 2012, homeowners discovered four partial sets of human remains under floorboards dating back more than 100 years that authorities say could be connected to the secret network that assisted slaves in their freedom. The remains were laid to rest in a 19th century-style ceremony in which a horse-drawn hearse carried the bones to a donated cemetery plot at Riverside Cemetery, while townspeople paid their respects in period clothing.
In the early 1920’s, Union City built a hydro-electrical plant to deliver cheaper electricity to the town. By 1923 “Riley Dam” was constructed on the nearby St. Joseph River, and the backwater forms Union Lake. Perfect for fishing or canoeing, recreational access to the rivers and Union Lake invite residents and visitors alike to enjoy the waterways and picnic in the surrounding parks.
Union City is known for it’s friendliness and many festive community events. You won’t want to miss our annual Memorial Day Parade, American Pie Art Festival, celebratory July 3rd Fireworks, and much more! Incorporated as a city in 1866, Union City residents are looking forward to celebrating their Sesquicentennial in 2016.
Chamber Member of the Year Award
2022 -
Dr. Matthew Christopher & Associates2021 -
Sandra Silsby2020 -
Val Rossman2019 -
Donna Claar
Chamber of Commerce Office Location
Contact: Donna Claar (269) 317-7723
Sherwood, MI 49089
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