Union, South Carolina
Encyclopedia
Union is the county seat
of Union County, South Carolina
, United States
. The population was 8,393 at the 2010 census.
It is the principal city of the Union Micropolitan Statistical Area (population 28,961 according to 2010 Census), an (MSA) which includes all of Union County and which is further included in the greater Greenville
-Spartanburg
-Anderson
, South Carolina Combined Statistical Area
(population 1,266,995 according to the 2010 Census).
Both Union and Union County received their names from the old Union Church that stood a short distance from the Monarch Mill. When it was first founded, Union was known as Unionville; later it was shortened to Union. The county’s first white settlers came from Virginia
in 1749. Union County’s population grew the fastest between 1762 and the start of the Revolutionary War
. Settlers built log cabins and cultivated tobacco
, flax
, corn
and wheat
. Union was one of the first towns settled in the area and was untouched during the Civil War
because the Broad River
flooded and turned Sherman
’s troops away from the town.
Union is also the home of Boogaloo Folk Life Productions, an annual community effort wherein recollections of historical events are collected by local residents and presented in a play.
The county's Carnegie Library was named Best Small Library in America by Library Journal
for 2009.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the city has a total area of 8 square miles (20.7 km²), all of it land.
of 2000, there were 8,793 people, 3,791 households, and 2,399 families residing in the city. The population density
was 1,105.0 people per square mile (426.5/km²). There were 4,240 housing units at an average density of 532.9 per square mile (205.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 56.48% White, 42.12% African American, 0.24% Native American, 0.38% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.05% from other races
, and 0.73% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.68% of the population.
There were 3,791 households out of which 25.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.5% were married couples
living together, 21.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.7% were non-families. 33.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 16.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.91.
In the city the population was spread out with 22.9% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 25.6% from 25 to 44, 23.1% from 45 to 64, and 20.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 79.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 74.3 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $26,110, and the median income for a family was $34,714. Males had a median income of $29,071 versus $19,966 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $16,175. About 17.6% of families and 20.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 29.1% of those under age 18 and 15.3% of those age 65 or over.
.
The Union Yellow Jacket Football team has seen great success in recent past. They won the 4A State Football Championship in 1990 and 1995, and won the 3A State Title in 1999,2000, and 2002. They were also state runner-up in 2001. The Yellow Jackets were led to their three most recent championships by former head coach
and current State Representative Mike Anthony. He retired following the 2004 season. He was succeed by Tommy Bobo former Union Offensive Coordinator
who left following the 1999 season to become the head football coach at Wren High School
. Bobo led the Jackets to the region championship and the state semi-finals 2005. Bobo resigned in 2007 after the school board decided to consolidate the three high schools. He has accepted a position as an assistant at Spartanburg's Dorman High School. Jonesville High School Coach David Lipsey has been hired to replace Bobo and be the first coach of Union County High School.Also the union JROTC program is only one of three in the nation to ever go four years in a row to the leadership program finals in Washington DC. Some of these kids include Micheal leigh,Tommy McKelvey, Micheal Stewart, lucus kelly, and Micheal McNease.
The county is also home to a Satellite campus
of the University of South Carolina
. USC Union was opened in 1965. They were once home to the USCU Bantams, a junior college basketball team, who saw some great success at that level before the team was ended in the 1980s.
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
of Union County, South Carolina
South Carolina
South Carolina is a state in the Deep South of the United States that borders Georgia to the south, North Carolina to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Originally part of the Province of Carolina, the Province of South Carolina was one of the 13 colonies that declared independence...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The population was 8,393 at the 2010 census.
It is the principal city of the Union Micropolitan Statistical Area (population 28,961 according to 2010 Census), an (MSA) which includes all of Union County and which is further included in the greater Greenville
Greenville, South Carolina
-Law and government:The city of Greenville adopted the Council-Manager form of municipal government in 1976.-History:The area was part of the Cherokee Nation's protected grounds after the Treaty of 1763, which ended the French and Indian War. No White man was allowed to enter, though some families...
-Spartanburg
Spartanburg, South Carolina
thgSpartanburg is the largest city in and the county seat of Spartanburg County, South Carolina, United States. It is the second-largest city of the three primary cities in the Upstate region of South Carolina, and is located northwest of Columbia, west of Charlotte, and about northeast of...
-Anderson
Anderson, South Carolina
Anderson is a city in and the county seat of Anderson County, South Carolina, United States. The population was estimated at 26,242 in 2006, and the city was the center of an urbanized area of 70,530...
, South Carolina Combined Statistical Area
Combined Statistical Area
The United States Office of Management and Budget defines micropolitan and metropolitan statistical areas. Metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas consist of one or more counties...
(population 1,266,995 according to the 2010 Census).
Both Union and Union County received their names from the old Union Church that stood a short distance from the Monarch Mill. When it was first founded, Union was known as Unionville; later it was shortened to Union. The county’s first white settlers came from Virginia
Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there...
in 1749. Union County’s population grew the fastest between 1762 and the start of the Revolutionary War
American Revolutionary War
The American Revolutionary War , the American War of Independence, or simply the Revolutionary War, began as a war between the Kingdom of Great Britain and thirteen British colonies in North America, and ended in a global war between several European great powers.The war was the result of the...
. Settlers built log cabins and cultivated tobacco
Tobacco
Tobacco is an agricultural product processed from the leaves of plants in the genus Nicotiana. It can be consumed, used as a pesticide and, in the form of nicotine tartrate, used in some medicines...
, flax
Flax
Flax is a member of the genus Linum in the family Linaceae. It is native to the region extending from the eastern Mediterranean to India and was probably first domesticated in the Fertile Crescent...
, corn
Maize
Maize known in many English-speaking countries as corn or mielie/mealie, is a grain domesticated by indigenous peoples in Mesoamerica in prehistoric times. The leafy stalk produces ears which contain seeds called kernels. Though technically a grain, maize kernels are used in cooking as a vegetable...
and wheat
Wheat
Wheat is a cereal grain, originally from the Levant region of the Near East, but now cultivated worldwide. In 2007 world production of wheat was 607 million tons, making it the third most-produced cereal after maize and rice...
. Union was one of the first towns settled in the area and was untouched during the Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
because the Broad River
Broad River (Carolinas)
The Broad River is a principal tributary of the Congaree River, about 150 miles long, in western North Carolina and northern South Carolina in the United States. Via the Congaree, it is part of the watershed of the Santee River, which flows to the Atlantic Ocean...
flooded and turned Sherman
William Tecumseh Sherman
William Tecumseh Sherman was an American soldier, businessman, educator and author. He served as a General in the Union Army during the American Civil War , for which he received recognition for his outstanding command of military strategy as well as criticism for the harshness of the "scorched...
’s troops away from the town.
Union is also the home of Boogaloo Folk Life Productions, an annual community effort wherein recollections of historical events are collected by local residents and presented in a play.
The county's Carnegie Library was named Best Small Library in America by Library Journal
Library Journal
Library Journal is a trade publication for librarians. It was founded in 1876 by Melvil Dewey . It reports news about the library world, emphasizing public libraries, and offers feature articles about aspects of professional practice...
for 2009.
Geography
Union is located at 34°43′2"N 81°37′30"W (34.717308, -81.624924).According to the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the city has a total area of 8 square miles (20.7 km²), all of it land.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 8,793 people, 3,791 households, and 2,399 families residing in the city. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 1,105.0 people per square mile (426.5/km²). There were 4,240 housing units at an average density of 532.9 per square mile (205.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 56.48% White, 42.12% African American, 0.24% Native American, 0.38% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.05% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.73% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.68% of the population.
There were 3,791 households out of which 25.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.5% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 21.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.7% were non-families. 33.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 16.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.91.
In the city the population was spread out with 22.9% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 25.6% from 25 to 44, 23.1% from 45 to 64, and 20.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 79.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 74.3 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $26,110, and the median income for a family was $34,714. Males had a median income of $29,071 versus $19,966 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the city was $16,175. About 17.6% of families and 20.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 29.1% of those under age 18 and 15.3% of those age 65 or over.
Notable natives
- Darrell AustinDarrell AustinKenneth Darrell Austin is a former professional American football offensive lineman in the National Football League. He played eight seasons for the New York Jets and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers....
, former NFL player for the New York JetsNew York JetsThe New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
and the Tampa Bay Bucs - States Rights GistStates Rights GistStates Rights Gist was a lawyer, a militia general in South Carolina, and a Confederate Army brigadier general who served during the American Civil War. A relative of several prominent South Carolinians, Gist rose to fame during the war but was killed before its end at the Battle of Franklin on...
, Confederate brigadier general during the Civil War - Willie JeffriesWillie JeffriesWillie Jeffries, was a college football coach. In his 29-year career, Jeffries compiled a 179-132-6 record. He coached 19 years at his alma mater South Carolina State University in two stints, five years at Wichita State University, and five years at Howard University...
, legendary College Football Hall of FameCollege Football Hall of FameThe College Football Hall of Fame is a hall of fame and museum devoted to college football. Located in South Bend, Indiana, it is connected to a convention center and situated in the city's renovated downtown district, two miles south of the University of Notre Dame campus. It is slated to move...
coach for South Carolina State UniversitySouth Carolina State UniversitySouth Carolina State University is a historically black university located in Orangeburg, South Carolina, United States. It is the only state funded, historically black land-grant institution in South Carolina and is a member school of the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund.- Colleges, departments,...
, Wichita State UniversityWichita State UniversityWichita State University is a NCAA Division I public university in Wichita, Kansas with selective admissions. WSU is one of six state universities governed by the Kansas Board of Regents. The current president is Dr. Donald Beggs....
, and Howard UniversityHoward UniversityHoward University is a federally chartered, non-profit, private, coeducational, nonsectarian, historically black university located in Washington, D.C., United States... - Bob JeterBob JeterRobert DeLafayette Jeter, Jr. was a former American football cornerback in the National Football League for the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears. He was raised in Weirton, WV where he attended Weir High School...
, NFL player for the Green Bay PackersGreen Bay PackersThe Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions...
and Chicago BearsChicago BearsThe Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... - Cotton OwensCotton OwensEverett "Cotton" Owens "the King of the Modifieds" was a NASCAR driver. For five straight years , Owens captured at least one Grand National series win.-Modified driving career:...
, NASCARNASCARThe National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
driver - Clifford RayClifford RayClifford Ray is an American basketball coach and former professional basketball player. A 6–9 center, he played three of his ten seasons in the NBA with the Chicago Bulls and the other seven with the Golden State Warriors .-Career:Ray has won a NBA championship as a player and as a coach...
, former professional basketballBasketballBasketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
player - Susan SmithSusan SmithSusan Leigh Vaughan Smith is an American woman sentenced to life in prison for murdering her children. Born in Union, South Carolina, and a former student of the University of South Carolina Union, she was convicted on July 22, 1995 of murdering her two sons, 3-year-old Michael Daniel Smith, born...
, convicted of drowning her two sons in a highly-publicized murder case - Jim YoungbloodJim YoungbloodJimmy Lee Youngblood is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League for the Los Angeles Rams and Washington Redskins...
Former NFL LineBacker Los Angeles Rams #53 - Mona LisaMona Lisa (singer)Kimberly Ledbetter, known by her professional stage name, Mona Lisa, is an American pop and R&B singer-songwriter, actress, model and record producer...
, R&B singer
Schools
The county all together had three schools, Union Comprehensive High, Jonesville High, and Lockhart High. As of a council ruling, the three schools have been consolidated. The other two schools will join Union High, which is being renamed to Union County High SchoolUnion County High School
There are several secondary schools called Union County High School in the United States:*Union County High School located in Lake Butler, Union County, Florida*Union County High School located in Blairsville, Georgia...
.
The Union Yellow Jacket Football team has seen great success in recent past. They won the 4A State Football Championship in 1990 and 1995, and won the 3A State Title in 1999,2000, and 2002. They were also state runner-up in 2001. The Yellow Jackets were led to their three most recent championships by former head coach
Head coach
A head coach, senior coach or manager is a professional at training and developing athletes. They typically hold a more public profile and are paid more than other coaches...
and current State Representative Mike Anthony. He retired following the 2004 season. He was succeed by Tommy Bobo former Union Offensive Coordinator
Offensive coordinator
An offensive coordinator is a member of the coaching staff of a gridiron football team who is in charge of the offense. Generally, along with his defensive counterpart, he represents the second level of command structure after the head coach...
who left following the 1999 season to become the head football coach at Wren High School
Wren High School
Wren High School is a public high school in in Anderson County, South Carolina, and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools....
. Bobo led the Jackets to the region championship and the state semi-finals 2005. Bobo resigned in 2007 after the school board decided to consolidate the three high schools. He has accepted a position as an assistant at Spartanburg's Dorman High School. Jonesville High School Coach David Lipsey has been hired to replace Bobo and be the first coach of Union County High School.Also the union JROTC program is only one of three in the nation to ever go four years in a row to the leadership program finals in Washington DC. Some of these kids include Micheal leigh,Tommy McKelvey, Micheal Stewart, lucus kelly, and Micheal McNease.
The county is also home to a Satellite campus
Satellite campus
A satellite campus or branch campus is a campus of a college or university that is physically detached from the main university or college area, and is often smaller than the main campus of an institution....
of the University of South Carolina
University of South Carolina
The University of South Carolina is a public, co-educational research university located in Columbia, South Carolina, United States, with 7 surrounding satellite campuses. Its historic campus covers over in downtown Columbia not far from the South Carolina State House...
. USC Union was opened in 1965. They were once home to the USCU Bantams, a junior college basketball team, who saw some great success at that level before the team was ended in the 1980s.
External links
- City of Union
- USC Union - USC-U Website