After the original settlers, the Arawak and Caribs, the island has been in the possession of French and English slave traders and plantation owners.

Union Island was the centre of some political unrest in the late 1970s when a group of residents were in favor of secession from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and merger with southern neighbors Grenada.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers spent much of a year working on Union Island and completed a new Coast Guard Jetty and shore office at the mouth of Clifton Harbor.

There are several hotels and guest houses on Union Island, as well as schools, churches and a small health clinic.

Local piers and docks earn money by renting their open space to tourists who have chartered sailboats or yachts, charging them by boat length.

Ferry services also operate bi-weekly between Ashton and Hillsborough, Carriacou (Grenada) on Mondays and Thursdays.

There are a number of local guest houses, including St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, the Anchorage Yacht Club, and a small hotel at the Bougainville in Clifton.

[10] A key feature of the Union Island region is the Tobago Cays National Marine Park.

The island is home to a diverse population, including descendants of African slaves, indigenous Caribs, and people of European and East Indian descent.

Music plays a significant role in local celebrations, festivals, and social gatherings, providing a rhythmic backdrop to daily life.

The festival takes place annually and involves vibrant parades, lively music, and traditional dance performances.

The island offers a delectable array of dishes influenced by African, Indian, and Creole culinary traditions.

Fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and locally sourced ingredients are often incorporated into traditional recipes, creating flavorful and distinctive meals.