Union Parish, LA

Union Parish, Louisiana Union Parish, Louisiana is a parish located in the northern part of the U.S. state of Louisiana. As of the 2020 census, the population was 20,922. The parish seat is Farmerville. The parish was created on March 13, 1839, from part of Ouachita Parish and was named for the union of the states.

History

Union Parish was established in 1839, during a period of rapid growth and development in northern Louisiana. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Choctaw. European settlers began to arrive in the early 19th century, attracted by the fertile land and abundant natural resources.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the parish has a total area of 905 square miles (2,344 km²), of which 877 square miles (2,272 km²) is land and 28 square miles (72 km²) (3.1%) is water. The parish is part of the Ark-La-Tex region, which includes parts of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas.

Adjacent Parishes

• Union County, Arkansas (north)
• Ashley County, Arkansas (northeast)
• Morehouse Parish, Louisiana (east)
• Ouachita Parish, Louisiana (south)
• Lincoln Parish, Louisiana (southwest)
• Claiborne Parish, Louisiana (west)

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 20,922 people, 8,000 households, and 5,500 families residing in the parish. The population density was 24 people per square mile (9/km²). The racial makeup of the parish was predominantly White and African American, with small percentages of other races.

Economy

The economy of Union Parish is primarily based on agriculture, forestry, and manufacturing. The parish is known for its production of cotton, soybeans, and timber. In recent years, there has been growth in the manufacturing sector, with several companies establishing operations in the area.

Education

Union Parish is served by the Union Parish School District, which operates several public schools in the area. The district includes Union Parish High School, Farmerville Elementary School, and Downsville Community Charter School.

Transportation

Major highways in Union Parish include U.S. Highway 167, Louisiana Highway 2, and Louisiana Highway 15. The parish is also served by the Union Pacific Railroad, which provides freight transportation services.

Communities

Towns

• Farmerville (parish seat)
• Bernice
• Marion

Villages

• Downsville
• Junction City
• Lillie
• Spearsville

Notable People

• James Peyton Smith, former member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from Union Parish
• Willie Robertson, star of the reality TV show Duck Dynasty, has family roots in Union Parish

See Also

• List of parishes in Louisiana
• National Register of Historic Places listings in Union Parish, Louisiana
• Union Parish School District