Waxhaw, population 2,625 in 2000, is located in a historic region called the Waxhaws, and in the Piedmont region of North Carolina. The area is wooded with rolling hills. Waxhaw is also in the region where gold was first found in the United States, and the Howie Gold Mine is not far from the city limits. Andrew Jackson was born near by.

     Union was formed in 1842 from Anson and Mecklenburg. At the time the county was formed there was a dispute between local Whigs and Democrats as to whether it should be named Clay or Jackson. The name Union was suggested and adopted as a compromise because the new county was created from parts of two others. It is in the south central section of the State and is bounded by the state of South Carolina and Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Stanly and Anson counties. The present land area is 637.37 square miles and the 2000 population was 123,772. Commissioners were named in the act to select a site, lay out a town by the name of Monroe, and erect a courthouse. Monroe is the county seat.