Situated along County Road 200 south of the village,[1] the school was erected in 1858.

It replaced an earlier log school building; both structures occupied land on the property of pioneer farmer George Richey.

[2] The school is a weatherboarded building, constructed on a foundation of sandstone and covered with a slate roof; additionally, it features brick details.

Since that time, the school has served as a community center: it has hosted events for religious groups, musicians' and farmers' organizations, and even a debate club.

[2] In early 1978, the West Union School was listed on the National Register of Historic Places,[1] qualifying both because of its historically significant architecture and because of its role in local history.