Union in Monroe County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

General John Echols

Photographed by Don Morfe, August 6, 2012

1. General John Echols Marker

Inscription. Gen. Echols was born March 20, 1823 in Lynchburg, Virginia. He entered the Confederate Army from his home in Union. With rank of Lieut. Col., Echols commanded the 27th Virginia Brigade. Staunton Infantry, at Manassas and was severely wounded at Kernstown. He was commissioned Brig. Gen. on April 16, 1862. His later service was mostly in West Virginia. He died May 24, 1896 and was buried in Staunton.

Erected by West Virginia Archives and History. (Marker Number 1975.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the West Virginia Archives and History series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 20, 1864.

Location. 37° 35.472′ N, 80° 32.61′ W. Marker is in Union, West Virginia, in Monroe County. It is at the intersection of Main Street (U.S. 219) and Nota Street, on the right when traveling north on Main Street. Marker is in front of the Monroe County Courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 350 Main Street, Union WV 24983, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Southern

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

Coalfields.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Vietnam Memorial (a few steps from this marker); William Porcher Miles (a few steps from this marker); Monroe Garden Club (a few steps from this marker); Veterans Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Union (a few steps from this marker); Crook's Occupation of Union (within shouting distance of this marker); Bishop Matthew W. Clair, Sr. (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Ames Methodist Episcopal Church (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Union.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Bishop Matthew W. Clair, Sr. (was about 300 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Photographed by Don Morfe, August 6, 2012

2. General John Echols Marker

A nearby dedication plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 25, 2026

3. A nearby dedication plaque

William H. (Bill) Brown
Born February 26, 1932 Union, W.VA Educated in Monroe County schools and served in the U.S. Air Force, he was raised a Master Mason in Monroe Lodge #77 in Union, he later joined the Williamson Rd. Lodge #163

He was a member of the Scottish Rite bodies, and Potentate, 1995 of Kazim Shrine Center in Roanoke VA. He served his fellow Shriners as a recorder until the day of his death on July 11, 2005.

This plaque is presented by the Brothers of Kazim Shrine Temple of Roanoke, VA

Credits. This page was last revised on April 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 7, 2012, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 994 times since then and 33 times this year. Last updated on July 15, 2025, by Bruce InCharlotte of Charlotte, North Carolina. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 7, 2012, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 3. submitted on April 28, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.