Union County

Union County is a county in southern Iowa that spans agricultural land with Creston serving as its main town and administrative center. The landscape is dominated by farmland, and the region functions as a transportation hub for regional commerce.

The county was named in 1853 during pre-Civil War tensions as a statement of hope for national unity. Mormon settlers established Mount Pisgah as a stopover point that later served travelers heading to the California Gold Rush.

The Bluegrass Association has maintained a strong presence at the county fairgrounds since the late 1800s, hosting regional agricultural displays that bring neighboring farm communities together. Visitors can see how local pride in farming traditions continues to shape gathering places across the county.

A railroad line runs through the area and connects it to larger markets in the region, making it easy to understand the county's economic role. Most visitor services and accommodations are concentrated in and around Creston, the main town.

Mount Pisgah in the eastern part began as a Mormon rest stop and later became known for sheltering people heading west during the Gold Rush. The site preserves traces of those early travelers who passed through on their long journeys across the continent.

Location: Iowa

Inception: 1853

Capital city: Creston

Shares border with: Madison County, Ringgold County, Adair County, Clarke County, Decatur County, Adams County, Taylor County

Website: http://unioncountyiowa.org

GPS coordinates: 41.02583,-94.24139

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:00