The Florida Department of State, Division of Historical Resources, operates Florida’s historical markers program. There are two State Historical Markers located in Union County and one community sponsored marker in Providence. These markers provide a brief synopsis of the history of the locations at which they are placed. Shown below are the historical markers of Union County.
There are only four sites on the National Park Service Register of Historic Places in Union County, although many more surely could be. All are located within the City of Lake Butler.
Front side of historical marker located on the front lawn of the Union County Courthouse in Lake Butler, Florida.
Reverse side of historical marker located at the Courthouse.
Front side of historical marker located Mt. Zion Cemetery and Primitive Baptist Church, located in Northwestern Union County Florida. (reverse contains identical text)
Signs such as this one marking the location of historic sites of significance have been placed by the Union County Historical Society in coordination with the Union County Board of County Commissioners.
Front side of historical marker located at Providence Village Baptist Church on State Road 238 in Providence, Florida.
Reverse side of historical marker located in Providence.
The John A. King House (Built in 1896). Also known as the Coleman House, this Queen Anne style Victorian home on SE 1st Avenue in Lake Butler was restored by John & Jamie Dekle. [National Register of Historic Places #0400264]
The Townsend Building (Built ca 1900). This former drug store on NW Main Street was built by Columbus and James Walter Townsend. It served as a Courthouse when Union County was formed in 1921. For many years was Lyman Green’s BBQ restaurant whose family donated it to the City of Lake Butler for restoration. The top floor now houses the Driggers Union County Historical Museum. [National Register of Historic Places #92001359]
The Lake Butler Women’s Club (Built ca 1924). When the former Courthouse of Union County was replaced in 1936, it was donated to the Women’s Club. It was moved to its present location on NE 1st Avenue as a WPA project in 1938 and continues to be maintained by the club . [National Register of Historic Places #03001309]
The James Walter Townsend House (Built ca 1891). Owned by one of the most prominent early entreprenuers, this unusual Vernacular styled home on SW 4th Avenue in Lake Butler was restored by Cinton P. & Mary S. Clausel. [National Register of Historic Places #9600222]
Copyright 2023. Thomas M. Riherd, II. All rights reserved.