Union City, Michigan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Union City, Michigan
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Village
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| Village of Union City | |
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Location within Branch County
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 Union City, Michigan
Location in Michigan
Union City, Michigan
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Michigan |
| Counties | Branch and Calhoun |
| Townships | Burlington and Union |
| Settled | 1831 |
| Platted | 1835 |
| Incorporated | 1866 |
| Government | |
| • Type | Village council |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1.49 sq mi (3.86 km2) |
| • Land | 1.45 sq mi (3.76 km2) |
| • Water | 0.04 sq mi (0.10 km2) |
| Elevation | 906 ft (276 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 1,714 |
| • Density | 1,182.07/sq mi (456.40/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code(s) |
49094
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| Area code(s) | 517 |
| FIPS code | 26-81360 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1615340 |
Union City is a small village in the state of Michigan, USA. It is mostly located in Branch County. A small part of the village reaches into Calhoun County. In 2020, about 1,714 people lived there.
Contents
History of Union City
The area where Union City now stands was first explored in 1826. The first piece of land was bought in 1831 by Isaiah Bennett. In 1833, Justus Goodwin bought a large part of Bennett's land. He built a mill and became the first postmaster in 1834. The post office was called Goodwinville.
In 1835, E. W. Morgan planned the community and named it Union City. The post office also changed its name to Union City in 1840. People believe the name came from the "union" of the Coldwater River and St. Joseph River. These two rivers flow through the area. Union City officially became a village in 1866.
Union City and the Underground Railroad
Union City was an important stop on the Underground Railroad. This was a secret network that helped enslaved people find freedom. Union City was known as Station No. 2.
John D. Zimmerman (1811-1879) was the "stationmaster" here. He hid people seeking freedom in his home, built around 1840. Zimmerman came to Union City in 1838 and built a wagon factory and a blacksmith shop. He strongly disagreed with slavery. He helped many enslaved people escape to Canada, where they could be free. His home is now a Michigan State Historic Site. You can find it at 119 East High Street.
Another important stop on the Underground Railroad was Meteor Ridge Farm. This home was built in 1859 or 1860. It is now owned by children's author Patricia Polacco. Even President Lincoln is said to have visited this farm.
Modern History and Events
In the early 1920s, Union City built a special power plant. This hydroelectrical plant used water to make cheaper electricity for the town. By 1923, the Riley Dam was built on the St. Joseph River. This dam created Union Lake.
Children's author and illustrator Patricia Polacco lives in Union City. One of her first books, Meteor!, is based on a true story. It tells about a meteor that fell on a farm in Union City. Because of this story, Union City now has an annual Meteor Festival. This festival happens in early July and has many fun activities for children. The real meteor from the story is in Riverside Cemetery.
Union City also has an annual Memorial Day parade. They hold a community service at Riverside Cemetery to remember those who served.
Some parts of the horror film series Evil Dead were filmed near Union City.
On May 1, 2024, a strong tornado hit the city. It was an EF3 tornado, but thankfully, no one died.
Geography of Union City
Union City covers about 1.49 square miles (3.86 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a small part being water.
Most of the village is in Union Township in Branch County. A smaller part is in Burlington Township in Calhoun County. The village is located where the Coldwater River and St. Joseph River meet.
Main Roads
M-60 runs along the northern edge of Union City.
Population Information
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1880 | 1,280 | — | |
| 1890 | 1,156 | −9.7% | |
| 1900 | 1,514 | 31.0% | |
| 1910 | 1,340 | −11.5% | |
| 1920 | 1,268 | −5.4% | |
| 1930 | 1,104 | −12.9% | |
| 1940 | 1,339 | 21.3% | |
| 1950 | 1,564 | 16.8% | |
| 1960 | 1,669 | 6.7% | |
| 1970 | 1,740 | 4.3% | |
| 1980 | 1,667 | −4.2% | |
| 1990 | 1,767 | 6.0% | |
| 2000 | 1,804 | 2.1% | |
| 2010 | 1,599 | −11.4% | |
| 2020 | 1,714 | 7.2% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
As of the 2010 census, there were 1,599 people living in Union City. There were 631 households. The average number of people in each household was about 2.53.
The median age in the village was 35.7 years old. About 27.6% of the people were under 18 years old.
Famous People from Union City
- Orson Bennett: A brave soldier who received the Medal of Honor.
- Patricia Polacco: A well-known children's writer and illustrator.
- Josh McDowell: A Christian speaker and writer.
- Floyd Odlum: A successful businessman.
- Orville Hubbard: A long-time Mayor of Dearborn, Michigan.
- Lee Bartlett: A former Olympic javelin record holder.
See also
In Spanish: Union City (Míchigan) para niños
