Union Springs is beautifully located on a bay of the east shore of Cayuga Lake, longest of the Finger Lakes. As might be expected, the name is derived from the many springs within its boundaries. Two of the largest, dammed to form ponds, were the source of power for the earliest industries. Other springs have a strong taste of sulfur and contain various minerals of interest to the geologist.

Union Springs at one time had a considerable reputation as a health resort. Some of the claims of the original settlers are still in the possession of their descendants. Names, which have come down through the years, include those of Carr, Chase, Cozzens, Davis, Everett, Flinn, Howland, McFarland, Mosher, Richardson, Schenck, Shank, Shoemaker, Thompson, VanSickle, Winegar, Yawger and others. These people had foresight and integrity above the average.
The extensive and valuable minerals, gypsum and limestone found in this section played an important part in the industrial development of the town. Gypsum along the lakeshore to the north first developed a commercial importance during the War of 1812 when Nova Scotia plaster was excluded from this country. The production of the Springport Quarries was between twenty and forty thousand tons per year. Limestone quarries were developed near Hamburg by George Ham. It is said that this stone was used in paving Wall Street in New York City. Other quarries were located at the east and north ends of the town.