CONNECTICUT - In the rolling hills of northeastern Connecticut, nestled within Tolland County and the region known as the "Quiet Corner," lies the town of Union. Holding the unique distinction of being Connecticut's smallest town by population, Union offers a tranquil escape and a glimpse into a way of life deeply connected to nature.
With just 785 residents recorded in the 2020 census, Union starkly contrasts the state's bustling cities and suburbs.
A Town Defined by Nature
Union's character is overwhelmingly shaped by its natural surroundings. A significant portion of the town's land area is dedicated to state parks and forests, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Vast Forestland: Approximately one-third of Union comprises state parks and forest land, including the expansive Bigelow Hollow State Park and Nipmuck State Forest. Another significant portion is occupied by the Yale-Myers Forest, managed by Yale's School of Forestry.
- Outdoor Recreation: This abundance of protected land offers endless opportunities for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, boating (on Mashapaug Pond), hunting, and fishing.
- Abundant Wildlife: The forests and natural areas are known for supporting diverse wildlife, including bears, moose, and bald eagles.
- High Elevation: Union has the highest elevation in the state, East of the Connecticut River.
History: A Late Bloomer in the Quiet Corner
Union's history reflects the challenges of settling its rugged terrain.
- Late Settlement: Incorporated in 1734, Union was one of the last towns settled east of the Connecticut River, primarily due to its mountainous landscape and relatively poor soil compared to the fertile river valleys.
- Early Industries: Early settlers relied on the area's natural resources. Lumbering was a key industry, with numerous sawmills operating in the 19th century. Graphite ("black lead") was also mined and utilized, notably during the Revolutionary War.
- Name Origin: The town's name is thought to have originated from the idea that it was formed from a "union" of leftover land sections after surrounding towns established their boundaries.
Life in Connecticut's Tiniest Town
Union today is primarily a residential community, offering a unique quality of life.
- Rural Character: It retains a deeply rural feel, lacking many typical town amenities like a post office, bank, or grocery store. Forestry remains the primary industry.
- Community Hubs: Despite its small size, Union has a free public library, a town office building, a highway garage, a picturesque white church on the Town Green, and a community pavilion for events like the annual Old Home Day.
- Close-Knit Community: With fewer than 800 residents, Union fosters a close-knit community atmosphere, embodying the simple pleasures and slower pace often associated with small-town New England life.
- Historical Society: The Union Historical Society maintains a museum on the Town Green.
Union, Connecticut, stands out as the state's smallest municipality by population, a quiet community deeply embedded within a landscape dominated by forests and natural beauty. Its history as one of the last settled towns in the region, combined with its abundant outdoor recreational opportunities and tranquil atmosphere, makes it a unique destination. For those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle and a chance to connect with nature and a close-knit rural community, Union offers a rare and peaceful retreat in Connecticut's "Quiet Corner."
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Sources:
- Town of Union, Connecticut Official Website
- Connecticut History | a CTHumanities Project
- Northeastern CT Chamber of Commerce
- U.S. Census Bureau (2020 Census Data)
- Explore Connecticut (Hiking Information)
- Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (State Parks Info)
