Top 5 Downtown Buildings You Need to Visit in Union City, Tennessee

Did you know that downtown Union City has FIVE buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places? Thanks to a group back in the 1980s who saw the importance of saving historic buildings, Union City, Tennessee has a great representation on this important list.

In the downtown district, you can walk to each of these buildings and embrace the history that has been preserved. Listed below are the five buildings featured on the National Register of Historic Places, from oldest to newest.

Deering Building – 1891
Built around 1891 by the William Deering Company of Chicago, the building housed the largest farm equipment and seed businesses in the important agricultural region of northwest Tennessee. During the early 1940s, it became the mercantile home of the Alexander-Jones Company, a wholesale tobacco, candy and specialty business.

Union City Post Office – 1913
The Post Office was completed in 1913 under the supervision of supervising architect, James Knox Taylor, who served from 1897-1912, and was constructed by George W. Stiles Construction Company. This building represents an excellent impression of Georgian Revival, the well-proportioned symmetrical facade and classical details are not found in any secular building In Union City or Obion County, Tennessee.
The Post Office is still used today and is a vital part of our downtown and county. The next time you visit the Post Office, take in all the historical aspects of such great architecture and style!

Mobile & Ohio Railroad Depot – 1923
The iconic Depot was designed in 1922 and completed in 1923. It was designed as a joint passenger station, for use by both the Mobile & Ohio and the Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis Railway.
Today, this historic landmark houses the Obion County Chamber of Commerce and the Joint Economic Development Council.
Fun Fact: Did you know that is 1854, George Washington Gibbs established the town as “Junction City” because the site was projected as the junction of two major railroads? The name was later changed to Union City because there was already another Tennessee town named “Junction City!”

The Capitol Theatre – 1927
Originally built in 1927, the Capitol Theatre was extensively renovated in 1939 with Art Deco flair, including the bright orange marquee that still shines bright today. It was not only a place for locals to be entertained, but it also served as a place for a variety of community activities, such as high school plays, talent shows, beauty pageants and magic acts.
The Capitol Theatre also hosted two Hollywood stars of the 1930s and 1940s – Spencer Tracy and Gene Autry and his horse, Champion!
We are so fortunate to have the historic and active Capitol Theatre in our downtown district!

Obion County Courthouse – 1939
In 1890, the citizens of Obion County voted to change the county seat from Troy to Union City. The current Obion County Courthouse we have today was designed in 1938 by the Nashville-based architectural firm of Marr and Holman and was completed in 1940. It is one of five Marr and Holman Public Works Act (PWA) courthouses in Tennessee.
The historic Obion County Courthouse continues today to be the center of governmental activity in the county. We are proud to have such a grand courthouse in our downtown district!

Want to plan a trip to visit downtown Union City and other attractions in Obion County? Visit Discover Reelfoot’s Facebook page for more inspiration!