Union, Connecticut
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| Union, Connecticut | |
|---|---|
| Name | Union |
| Settlement type | Town |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | U.S. state |
| Subdivision name1 | Connecticut |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Tolland |
| Established title | Incorporated |
| Established date | 1734 |
| Government type | Selectman-town meeting |
| Leader title | First selectman |
| Leader name | David Eaton |
| Area total km2 | 77.0 |
| Area land km2 | 74.8 |
| Area water km2 | 2.2 |
| Elevation m | 244 |
| Elevation ft | 801 |
| Population total | 785 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Timezone | Eastern |
| Utc offset | -5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | -4 |
| Coordinates | 41, 59, N, 72... |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 06076 |
| Area code | 860 |
| Website | www.unionct.org |
Union, Connecticut. Union is a town in Tolland County, Connecticut, known for being the least populous municipality in the state. Incorporated in 1734, it was formed from land granted to settlers from nearby Union Parish and Stafford. The town is characterized by its heavily forested, rural landscape within the New England Upland region and its numerous lakes and ponds. Its small population and extensive protected lands, including a significant portion of the Nipmuck State Forest, contribute to its quiet, natural character.
History
The area was originally inhabited by the Nipmuc people before European settlement. It was incorporated in 1734, named for the union of land grants from the adjacent towns of Stafford, Ashford, and Woodstock. Early industry was limited due to its rugged terrain, with small-scale charcoal production and sawmills supporting local needs. The town saw minimal involvement in the American Revolutionary War, though some residents served in local militia units. The arrival of the Boston and Albany Railroad in the 19th century had little impact, and the community remained primarily agricultural. In the 20th century, the state acquired large tracts for the Nipmuck State Forest, solidifying its rural identity. The Old Union Cemetery, with graves dating to the 1740s, is a historic site listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 77.0 km², of which 74.8 km² is land and 2.2 km² is water. It is located in the northeastern corner of Connecticut, bordered by Massachusetts to the north and east. The terrain is part of the New England Upland, featuring rolling hills, dense forests, and glacially formed water bodies. Major water features include Bigelow Pond, Mashapaug Lake, and the Fenton River. A substantial portion of the town lies within the Nipmuck State Forest and the Yale-Myers Forest, managed by Yale University. The Quinebaug River forms part of its western boundary.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 785, making it the least populous town in Connecticut. The population density was consequently very low. The racial makeup was predominantly White. The town has consistently had one of the highest median household incomes in Tolland County, reflecting its rural, residential character. Housing units are primarily single-family homes on large lots. The population peaked in the early 19th century and has remained small and stable, with minimal commercial or industrial development influencing growth trends.
Government
Union employs the selectman-town meeting form of government. An elected Board of Selectmen handles daily administration, while the annual town meeting acts as the legislative body. The town is part of Connecticut's 2nd congressional district, represented in the U.S. House by Joe Courtney. At the state level, it is within the 35th Senate District and the 52nd House District. Local services are limited, with the town sharing a resident state trooper from the Connecticut State Police and relying on volunteer fire services.
Education
Public education for pre-K through grade 8 is provided by the Union School District, which operates Union Elementary School. For high school, students attend Edwin O. Smith High School in Storrs, as part of the Regional School District 19. The town is also proximate to the University of Connecticut in Storrs. There are no private schools or colleges within its borders. The town library is the Union Free Public Library.
Notable people
Notable individuals associated with the town include John H. Perry, a newspaper publisher and founder of Perry Publications. Horace B. Clapp, a state legislator and newspaper editor in Wisconsin, was born here. Charles T. Hurlburt, a U.S. Army brigadier general who served in both World War I and World War II, was also a native.
Category:Towns in Connecticut Category:Towns in Tolland County, Connecticut Category:1734 establishments in Connecticut