Union

About Union

Tucked into the quiet northeastern corner of Connecticut, Union is the state's smallest and most serene town — a place where forests stretch to the horizon and the pace of life feels genuinely unhurried. Part of the Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor, this is Connecticut at its most rural and unspoiled, a haven for nature lovers and anyone craving a true escape from the city.

What to Know

• Mashapaug Lake anchors the village of Mashapaug in Union's Eastern Uplands — a beautiful spot right at the Massachusetts border, popular for swimming and fishing.
• Union sits within the Nipmuck State Forest, offering miles of hiking and woodland trails through some of the most pristine landscape in the state.
• The town is home to Venturing Crew 83 of the Connecticut Rivers Council, chartered by the local volunteer fire department — a sign of just how community-driven this small town really is.
• Union is located just 33 miles northeast of Hartford and sits near the Bigelow Hollow State Park, one of Connecticut's most beloved outdoor destinations.

History

Union was the last Connecticut town east of the Connecticut River to be settled by Europeans, with Irish immigrant James McNall arriving in 1727. The town was officially incorporated in October 1734, and its name reflects its origin as a "union of lands." Originally part of Windham County, Union became part of Tolland County when that county was formed in 1785.

Community & Living

Union is the kind of place where neighbors still know each other by name and the volunteer fire department is the heart of civic life. It appeals to those who want to live close to nature without sacrificing the warmth of a true New England community. Life here moves on its own terms — and residents wouldn't have it any other way.