About

About Union, Illinois: History and Heritage

Union, Illinois was platted in 1851 as a station on the Galena and Chicago Union Railroad, by William Jackson, who was an early settler of Coral Township. Mr. Jackson owned the land that eventually became the Village of Union. Though it initially struggled to thrive, there was a Railroad Station built in 1854. By 1877 Union had a Doctor, a hotel, two general stores, four blacksmiths, a shoemaker, cheese factory, carpenter and a public library that contained 200 volumes. Union incorporated in 1897, and by 1912 Union bonded to put in a municipal water system and also began installation of the electrical grid.

The village’s post office, established in 1852, was named in reference to the federal “Union” of the United States. Over time, Union became known for hosting one of the nation’s leading rail heritage institutions, the Illinois Railway Museum. This museum was founded in 1953 and relocated to Union in 1964. It is now recognized as the largest railroad museum in the United States.

The village is also home to the McHenry County Historical Society, which works to preserve and share the area’s local history. Additionally, Union holds the distinction of being the site of the world’s first fully automatic electrical substation, reflecting its early role in technological innovation. Despite its small size, covering only 0.84 square miles with a population of 551 as of 2020, Union remains a community with a rich historical and cultural identity.

In the future a new census will take place, as the Village most likely has a current population of approximately 750 people.

Meet Your Board

Tony Fredrickson

Mayor

A little about myself- I have lived in the Union community for the past 50 years. My parent’s had a pizza restaurant in town and I was always involved in something in the community. I attended Union’s Evergreen Park School and Marengo HIgh School, graduating in 1989. I joined the Coast Guard and was able to travel the world while fulfilling my duty to the country. When I left the military I came back to Union.
I am a member of the Fire Department and I am involved with the Lion’s Club as well.
I look forward to making Union a great, common sense town.

mayor@unionillinois.org

Mary Argall

Village Clerk

Mary Argall is the Village Clerk and she keeps the Village running!
If Mary is not cooking up a wonderful dessert or making the grand champion pies at the annual pie cooking contest – she is happily quilting, knitting a sweater or working in her extensive garden.

marya@unionillinois.org

Deb Pace

Trustee, Police & Ordinance

Deb lived in Union for 55 years, and has been a Trustee for 43 of those years. Deb brings alot of energy to the board. Deb was a legal Assistant and retired from that. Now Deb enjoys crafting and decorating, as well as watching her grandkids stay busy in sports.

debp@unionillinois.org

Ian McCartney

Trustee, Buildings & Grounds

Ian has lived in Union for 20 plus years and likes the quiet small town living. The reason for becoming involved is to bring financial responsibility to the Village Board. Currently Ian works as a Park Ranger for the McHenry County Conservation District. When not working or volunteering his time to the Village he enjoys swimming, fishing and festivals in the Fall.

ianm@unionillinois.org

Josh Ostdick

Trustee, Water & Sewer

Josh has served as a Village Trustee for 3 years and brings a dedicated community first mentality. Josh supports a thoughtful growth and wants to ensure that any decisions consider safety and integrity of the residents, and enjoys the fact that Union is a unique small town with character.
Not only does Josh enjoys being outdoors, hiking, fishing and appreciating nature – he enjoys the quiet moments and relaxing along with his wonderful girlfriend making memories together.

josho@unionillinios.org

Josie Pucci

Trustee, Finance

Josie Pucci has lived in Union for about 8 years and wanted to become more involved in the community.
Josie brings a strong financial background to the Village from her years of working in the banking industry.
Josie has been instrumental in helping with the social media and bringing on the new website. She has many ideas that will help keep Union the charming Village that it currently is.

josiep@unionillinios.org

Stan McDonald

Trustee, Improvements

Stan was a long time trustee and valuable wealth of knowledge to the Village. Stan is excited to jump back in and do what he can to continue making Union a great place to live.

stanm@unionillinios.org