About Union County   A Great Place To Do Business & Live Life!

The warm welcome Union County extends to newcomers and visitors is more than Southern hospitality.  It's our way of life.  You'll find hospitality in ample supply here.

We welcome you because we've built a community here that we're proud of.  Most of us wouldn't want to live anywhere else - we've developed the perfect blend of traditional values and progressive attitudes.

Over 31,000 residents live throughout the county and its four major communities - the City of Union and the towns of Lockhart, Jonesville, and Carlisle.  Prominently located in the Piedmont Region of South Carolina, Union County is convenient the the major metropolitan areas of Greenville, Columbia and Charlotte. 

Our area has attracted national attention for its surge in economic growth,  and its diverse business community that is a perfect blend of tradition and technology.  Our industrial parks have been developed through cooperation between city and county governments and the development board.  Union County is a viable, vibrant place to do business.

It's peaceful here, but by no means sleepy.  Union County is clearly on the move - but we'll never sacrifice our neighborly attitude.  This is a great place to do business and live life.

History, Tradition, and a Strong Sense of Community

Union County was named for the old Union Church, erected in 1765 near the present day town of Union.  The early settlers in the area were mainly Scotch-Irish from Virginia and Pennsylvania who began immigrating to the South Carolina upcountry in the 1750s.

Union County residents take great pride in their pioneering roots that date back to the country's birth.  That underlying strength has endured providing the community with a strong sense of pride and cooperation...cooperation that helps its citizens work together to build a prosperous future.

A rich and fabled history provides the foundation for much of the county's allure.  Union County was the scene of several significant battles during the Revolutionary War, including the battles of Musgrove's Mill (August 18, 1780), and the Battle of Blackstock (November 20, 1780). 

But, there is much more to Union.  The people exhibit a strong character and friendliness that is hard to find.  Civic clubs, and over 100 Churches are an integral part of life here, sponsoring programs that help the needy, provide support for senior citizens, and work with young people.

Union County

Union County is governed under the supervisor-council form of government in which the chief legislative body, the Union County Council, is chaired by the supervisor, who also serves as county manager.  In Union County, the council is a six-member body whose members are elected from six council districts.  The supervisor, who only votes in the event of a tie, is elected at-large.  In the event the supervisor is not present the council vice-chairman - elected by the council members - chairs all meetings.

Six other county constitutional offices are elected at-large in Union County - the sheriff, treasurer, auditor, probate judge, clerk of court, and coroner.  All but one office is located in the Union County Courthouse which is located at 210 West Main Street.  The Coroner's Office operates out of Holcombe Funeral Home at 310 West Main Street.  All offices pertaining to obtaining building permits, licenses, and payment of fees can be found in the Courthouse.

City of Union

The City of Union is governed under the council form of government by a seven-member city council.  The council is composed of six council members elected from six council districts and a mayor elected at-large.  The mayor chairs the council meetings and also serves as a voting member of the council.  The Mayor Pro-Tem assumes the duties of Mayor in his absence.  Day-to-day operations of the city are administered by the city administrator who is hired by the city council. 

The offices of mayor, city administrator, finance director, utility director, city clerk, personnel director, taxes and licenses, utility customer service, and council chambers are located on the first floor of the city municipal building at 101 Sharpe Avenue.  The public safety department is located at 215 Thompson Boulevard.

Town of Jonesville

The Town of Jonesville is governed under the council form of government by a five-member town council.  The council is composed of four council members and a mayor, all of whom are elected at-large. All town offices are located at the Jonesville Town Hall, 149 Pacolet Street.

Town of Carlisle

The Town of Carlisle is also governed under a council form of government by a five-member town council.  The council is composed of a mayor and four council members, all of whom are elected at-large.  The day-to-day operations of the town are administered by a town administrator hired by the council.  All town offices are located at the Janie Glymph Goree Municipal Building on Fish Dam Avenue.

Town of Lockhart

The Town of Lockhart is governed under a mayor-council form of government. The council is composed of a mayor and four council members, all of whom are elected at-large.  The day-to-day operations of the town are handled by a town administrator hired by the council.  The town hall is located on North First Street.