[2] West Union was platted in 1850 and retail businesses began the same year around the public square.

The square also served as the center for county government and as a place for many of the community's social activities.

The wide streets and sidewalks in the central business district also facilitated the city's commercial and social life.

The buildings in the district have housed various commercial businesses, government operations, and churches.

The First Baptist Church (1867), Hobson Block (1885), Maple View Sanitarium (1903), and the Fayette County Courthouse (1923) are all individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.