Welcome !
Union County ILGenWeb is a free genealogical site about the history of
the county. We hope you find helpful clues for your research of ancestors
and relatives of Union county.
Please consider contributing your pieces of Union county family history.
YOUR HELP IS NEEDED. Our combined efforts can make this a great site for all
who visit! You may email your contribution directly to [email protected]
County Co-Coordinators:
Melissa McCord
Norma Hass
COUNTY FORMATION
Located in the southern portion of Illinois known locally as
"Little Egypt," Union County was created on January 2, 1818, the same year
Illinois became a state. The original boundries were carved from Johnson County.
In 1819, a portion was lost to form Alexander County,
reducing Union County to its current borders.
Union
county was named in honor of a joint revival meeting of
the Baptists and Dunkards, called a "union meeting." The county
seal depicts the leaders of these two groups shaking hands.
The county seat is Jonesboro.