WELCOME TO UNION

By Sophie Ayers

Inside a little loghouse amongst 72.5 acres of land, the court of Union met for the first time in 1827. Before the Civil War and organized labor groups, Union earned its name as a centrally located county government, which drew settlers from France and Germany. As settlers built businesses in trapping, trading, and mining, Union emerged as a tight-knit community with a fast growing infrastructure.

With an estimated population of 12,348 and an average age of 33.9 years, Union has an average median household income of $54,585. The town is served by Mercy Hospital in Washington, and the school district is Union R-XI.

Originally founded in just a single log schoolhouse, there are now six schools within the district, representing three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. 

There are 14 Christian churches in Union, with no synagogues or other religious temples. Union has only one religious private school, Immaculate Conception Catholic School, with about 200 students enrolled each year. 

Bluegill and bass lap in the waves of the Bourbeuse River, a tributary of the Meramac River that runs through the town. Prominent businesses include Top Products LLC, Siligan Plastic Containers, and Gateway Extrusions.

This week, the Missouri Photo Workshop will document Union through an ever changing archive of compelling visuals, videos, and articles. The crew will live and drive through the town, eat in diners like the Junie Moon Cafe and Hagie’s Nineteen, and watch as their archives unfold.

"What's with that photo on the back of my shirt?"

Must Provide Witness