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Union is a historic town founded by James Alexander in 1774. He donated land for the town and Green Hill Cemetery. In 1800, the Virginia legislature made Union the county seat for the newly created Monroe County.
Monroe County grew along with the young nation. The many creeks in the area provided waterpower for mills—each of the 18 miles of Second Creek had its own mill. Other creeks, like Indian, Laurel, and Turkey, also provided power. Gristmills, sawmills, and woolen mills flourished. The land had fresh spring water, good grazing grass, and rich soil for crops. Beneath the land, caves held saltpeter, which was used to make gunpowder for the Revolutionary War and later the Confederate Army.
