Mission Statement
The Union County Historical Society is the county organization responsible for the collection and preservation of objects relating to the history of Union County, Ohio. The society actively and energetically collects items of local interest and uses them to educate and foster knowledge of Union County history in the community.
History of Union County
Union County was established on April 1st, 1820 from portions of Delaware, Franklin, Madison and Logan Counties and part of the old Indian Territory. The entire county was within the Virginia Military District, being bounty lands given to Virginia soldiers for their service in the Revolutionary War. Permanent settlement of the area began about 1798. The northern section of the county was part of the Indian Tribes under the Greenville Treaty of 1795. Today, Union County is one of the fastest growing counties in Ohio. Although the county has seen considerable changes over the years, it has a strong tradition in the preservation of its past.
Journey Down Memory Lane
Tours begin as visitors walk through the door that came from the boyhood home of Vice-President Charles W. Fairbanks. As you stroll through the 14 room os the Museum, you will discover items from bygone eras and experience a touch of nostalgia when you see the products made by area businesses. Can you imagine what life was like if you had to use Dower Chests, Mammy Rockers, Wooden Plows, and Ice Box and Pie Safes?
Local Heroes and Celebrities
Col. Noah Orr (1836-1882) "Union County Giant" Born in Union County, Col. Noah Orr grew to a height of nearly 8ft tall. Orr traveled with many circuses and shows including Barnum's Museum in New York City. His large chair and oversize shoes are on display. |
Charles Warren Fairbanks Vice-President Charles Fairbanks was born and grew up in Union County. Fairbanks was a lawyer, U.S. Senator and Vice-President (1905 to 1909). Fairbanks School District and Fairbanks, Alaska are named in his honor. |
Reuben L. Partridge Covered Bridge Builder Reuben Partridge begain building wood truss bridges in Union County in the mid- 1800's, and he patented a bridge truss design in 1872. There are four original covered bridges remaining in Union County, all of which were build by Reuben Partridge. Partridge died in 1900 after a fall while dismantling one of his covered bridges. |
O.M. Scott Industrialist After the Civil War, O.M. Scott operated a hardware store in Marysville that sold 99.9% weed-free seed. This developed into the internationally known Scotts Miracle Gro Company. |
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