Proud of is ranking as one of "America's Ten Best Small Towns," Union is located less than 30 minutes away from the suburban sprawl of West St. Louis County. This quiet community is nestled in the heart of rural Franklin county near the Interstate 44 corridor. Established in 1825 as the county seat, Union enjoys a diverse landscape that has welcomed new commercial development and growing subdivisions that blend with rolling hills, picturesque fields, and forest groves. Over the past two decades, this once sleepy agricultural town has experienced a remarkable yet controlled and steady transformation into a popular bedroom community and an industrial hub for the region. More than 300 businesses now call Union home. East Central College adds the intellectual and cultural stimulation of a college town to Union's small-town appeal. Recreational opportunities are diverse, including the Union Splash 'N Swimplex, 122 acres of parkland, and organized programs for every age and interest. Consciously directed toward a bright future that is just beginning to unfold, Union definitely offers "Small town Charm with Big City Opportunities."