Union County, New Jersey

County in New Jersey, United States

Not to be confused with Union (CDP), New Jersey or Union Township, Union County, New Jersey.

County in New Jersey

Union County

County

Downtown Westfield in July 2005

Flag

Seal

Location within the U.S. state of New Jersey

New Jersey's location within the U.S.

Coordinates: 40°39′N 74°17′W﻿ / ﻿40.65°N 74.29°W﻿ / 40.65; -74.29
Country|  United States
State|  New Jersey
Founded| 1857[1]
Named after| Union threatened by slavery dispute[2]
Seat| Elizabeth[3]
Largest city| Elizabeth (population and area)
Government

• Commission Chair| Sergio Granados (D, term ends December 31, 2025)
Area

[4]

• Total

| 105.41 sq mi (273.0 km2)
• Land| 102.77 sq mi (266.2 km2)
• Water| 2.64 sq mi (6.8 km2)  2.5%
Population

(2020)[5][6]

• Total

| 575,345

• Estimate

(2024)

| 594,160
• Density| 5,500/sq mi (2,100/km2)
Time zone| UTC−5 (Eastern)
• Summer (DST)| UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional districts| 7th, 8th, 10th, 12th
Website| www.ucnj.org

Interactive map of Union County, New Jersey

Union County is a county in the northern part of the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the county was the state's seventh-most-populous county[7] with a population of 575,345,[5][6] its highest decennial count ever and an increase of 38,846 (+7.2%) from the 2010 census count of 536,499.[8] Its county seat is Elizabeth,[3] which is also the most populous municipality in the county, with a 2020 census population of 137,298,[6] and the largest by area, covering 13.46 square miles (34.9 km2).[9] The county is part of the Central Jersey region of the state.[10][11][12]

In 2015, the county had a per capita personal income of $60,089, the seventh-highest in New Jersey and ranked 152nd of 3,113 counties in the United States.[13][14] The Bureau of Economic Analysis ranked the county as having the 119th-highest per capita income of all 3,113 counties in the United States (and the eighth-highest in New Jersey) in 2009.[15] A study by Forbes.com determined that Union County residents pay the second-highest property taxes of all U.S. counties, based on 2007 data.[16]

With a population density of 4,955 inhabitants per square mile (1,913/km2) in 2000, Union County was the 15th-most densely populated county in the United States as of the 2010 Census, and third-densest in New Jersey, behind Hudson County (ranked 6th nationwide at 9,754 per square mile) and Essex County (ranked 11th at 6,126).[17][18]

## History

[edit]

### Etymology

[edit]

Established in 1857 as the last county created in New Jersey, it was named after the Union threatened by slavery dispute during this period, which would erupt into civil war in 1861.

### History

[edit]

All of present-day Union County was part of the Elizabethtown Tract, which was purchased in 1664, by English colonists from the Lenape Native Americans that lived in the area of present-day Elizabeth, New Jersey. Union County was formed on March 19, 1857, from portions of Essex County; it was the last of New Jersey's 21 counties to be established.[1]

Many historic places and structures are to be found in the county, including on the National Register of Historic Places listings in Union County, New Jersey.[19]

In the fall, Union County holds its annual "Four Centuries in a Weekend" festival for the public, celebrating and touring historic buildings, museums and sites in the county.[20]

## Geography

[edit]

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as of the 2020 Census, the county had a total area of 105.41 square miles (273.0 km2), of which 102.77 square miles (266.2 km2) was land (97.5%) and 2.64 square miles (6.8 km2) was water (2.5%).[4]

Much of Union County is relatively flat and low-lying. Only in the northwestern corner does any significant relief appear as the Watchung Mountains cross the county. It is there that highest elevations, two areas approximately 560 feet (170 m) above sea level, are found in Berkeley Heights.[21] The lowest elevation is sea level along the eastern shore at the Arthur Kill.

### Rivers, lakes and streams

[edit]

* Arthur Kill
* Rahway River
* Elizabeth River
* Nomahegan Brook
* Marshes Creek
* Morses Creek
* Peach Orchard Brook
* Robinson's Brook
* Robinson's Branch Reservoir

### Climate and weather

[edit]

Elizabeth, New Jersey

Climate chart (explanation)

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3.5

2.9

4.1

4.2

4.7

3.7

3.8

3.6

3.6

3.8

█ Average max. and min. temperatures in °F
█ Precipitation totals in inches
Source: The Weather Channel[22]
| Metric conversion

104

107

102

102

119

█ Average max. and min. temperatures in °C
█ Precipitation totals in mm

In recent years,[when?] average temperatures in the county seat of Elizabeth have ranged from a low of 24 °F (−4 °C) in January to a high of 86 °F (30 °C) in July, although a record low of −14 °F (−26 °C) was recorded in February 1934 and a record high of 105 °F (41 °C) was recorded in July 1993. Average monthly precipitation ranged from 2.99 inches (76 mm) in February to 4.76 inches (121 mm) in July.[22] In Berkeley Heights average monthly temperatures range from 29.4 °F in January to 74.7 °F in July. The climate in the county is hot-summer humid continental (Dfa) in the west and humid subtropical (Cfa) in the east. The hardiness zone is 7a west of the Garden State Parkway and 7b to the east. [2]

## Demographics

[edit]

Historical population Census| Pop.| Note| %±

|
|
|

1860| 27,780| | —
1870| 41,859| | 50.7%
1880| 55,571| | 32.8%
1890| 72,467| | 30.4%
1900| 99,353| | 37.1%
1910| 140,197| | 41.1%
1920| 200,157| | 42.8%
1930| 305,209| | 52.5%
1940| 328,344| | 7.6%
1950| 398,138| | 21.3%
1960| 504,255| | 26.7%
1970| 543,116| | 7.7%
1980| 504,094| | −7.2%
1990| 493,819| | −2.0%
2000| 522,541| | 5.8%
2010| 536,499| | 2.7%
2020| 575,345| | 7.2%
2024 (est.)| 594,160| [5][23]| 3.3%
Historical sources: 1790–1990[24]
1970–2010[9] 2000[25]
2010[8] 2000–2010[26] 2010-2020[5][6]

Union County is ethnically diverse. Berkeley Heights, Clark, Roselle Park, Cranford, Kenilworth, Linden, New Providence, Scotch Plains, Springfield, Summit, Union and Westfield have high percentages of Italian American residents. Elizabeth, Plainfield, Rahway, Roselle and Union all have large African American communities. Roselle Park has a notably large Indian American community, while Roselle Park, Roselle, Linden, Rahway, Plainfield and particularly Elizabeth have fast-growing Hispanic and Portuguese populations.[citation needed]

The county's Jewish population was 35,000 as of 2004, with notable communities located in Cranford, Elizabeth, Hillside, Linden, Scotch Plains, Springfield, Union, and Westfield.[27]

### 2020 census

[edit]

Union County, New Jersey – Racial and ethnic composition
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race. Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 2000[28] | Pop. 2010[29] | Pop. 2020[30] | % 2000  | % 2010  | % 2020

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White alone (NH)  | 283,345  | 243,312  | 211,245  | 54.22%  | 45.35%  | 36.72%
Black or African American alone (NH)  | 104,926  | 111,705  | 112,261  | 20.08%  | 20.82%  | 19.51%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH)  | 547  | 546  | 552  | 0.10%  | 0.10%  | 0.10%
Asian alone (NH)  | 19,789  | 24,496  | 31,963  | 3.79%  | 4.57%  | 5.56%
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander alone (NH)  | 121  | 107  | 78  | 0.02%  | 0.02%  | 0.01%
Other race alone (NH)  | 1,462  | 2,279  | 6,190  | 0.28%  | 0.42%  | 1.08%
Mixed race or Multiracial (NH)  | 9,340  | 7,350  | 17,537  | 1.79%  | 1.37%  | 3.05%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)  | 103,011  | 146,704  | 195,519  | 19.71%  | 27.34%  | 33.98%
Total | 522,541 | 536,499 | 575,345 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00%

#### Racial / Ethnic Profile of places in Union County, New Jersey

[edit]

Racial / Ethnic Profile of places in Union County, New Jersey (2020 Census)

Following is a table of towns and census designated places in Union County, New Jersey. Data for the United States (with and without Puerto Rico), the state of New Jersey, and Union County itself have been included for comparison purposes.
The majority racial/ethnic group is coded per the key below.  |  | Majority minority with no dominant group

|

| Majority White
| Majority Black
| Majority Hispanic
| Majority Asian
Racial and ethnic composition of places in Union County, New Jersey (2020 Census)
(NH = Non-Hispanic)
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race. Place  | Designation  | Total Population  | White alone (NH)  | %  | Black or
African American alone (NH)  | %  | Native American or
Alaska Native alone (NH)  | %  | Asian alone (NH)  | %  | Pacific Islander alone (NH)  | %  | Other race alone (NH)  | %  | Mixed race or
Multiracial (NH)  | %  | Hispanic or Latino
(any race)  | %

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United States of America
(50 states and D.C.)[31] | x  | 331,449,281  | 191,697,647  | 57.84%  | 39,940,338  | 12.05%  | 2,251,699  | 0.68%  | 19,618,719  | 5.92%  | 622,018  | 0.19%  | 1,689,833  | 0.51%  | 13,548,983  | 4.09%  | 62,080,044  | 18.73%
United States of America
(50 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico)[31] | x  | 334,735,155  | 191,722,195  | 57.28%  | 39,944,624  | 11.93%  | 2,252,011  | 0.67%  | 19,621,465  | 5.86%  | 622,109  | 0.19%  | 1,692,341  | 0.51%  | 13,551,323  | 4.05%  | 65,329,087  | 19.52%
New Jersey[32] | State | 9,288,994  | 4,816,381  | 51.85%  | 1,154,142  | 12.42%  | 11,206  | 0.12%  | 942,921  | 10.15%  | 1,944  | 0.02%  | 70,354  | 0.76%  | 289,471  | 3.12%  | 2,002,575  | 21.56%
Union County[33] | County | 575,345  | 211,245  | 36.72%  | 112,261  | 19.51%  | 552  | 0.10%  | 31,963  | 5.56%  | 78  | 0.01%  | 6,190  | 1.08%  | 17,537  | 3.05%  | 195,519  | 33.98%
Berkeley Heights[34] | township | 13,285  | 9,278  | 69.84%  | 242  | 1.82%  | 5  | 0.04%  | 2,065  | 15.54%  | 1  | 0.01%  | 84  | 0.63%  | 470  | 3.54%  | 1,140  | 8.58%
Clark[35] | township | 15,544  | 12,346  | 79.43%  | 231  | 1.49%  | 4  | 0.03%  | 644  | 4.14%  | 3  | 0.02%  | 46  | 0.30%  | 325  | 2.09%  | 1,945  | 12.51%
Connecticut Farms[36] | CDP | 545  | 235  | 43.12%  | 87  | 15.96%  | 1  | 0.18%  | 51  | 9.36%  | 0  | 0.00%  | 9  | 1.65%  | 20  | 3.67%  | 142  | 26.06%
Cranford[37] | township | 23,847  | 18,946  | 79.45%  | 653  | 2.74%  | 6  | 0.03%  | 903  | 3.79%  | 4  | 0.02%  | 106  | 0.44%  | 786  | 3.30%  | 2,443  | 10.24%
Cranford[38] | CDP | 2,032  | 1,514  | 74.51%  | 92  | 4.53%  | 3  | 0.15%  | 95  | 4.68%  | 0  | 0.00%  | 15  | 0.74%  | 68  | 3.35%  | 245  | 12.06%
Elizabeth[39] | city | 137,298  | 16,553  | 12.06%  | 22,261  | 16.21%  | 152  | 0.11%  | 2,757  | 2.01%  | 18  | 0.01%  | 2,145  | 1.56%  | 3,179  | 2.32%  | 90,233  | 65.72%
Fanwood[40] | borough | 7,774  | 5,604  | 72.09%  | 386  | 4.97%  | 3  | 0.04%  | 713  | 9.17%  | 2  | 0.03%  | 11  | 0.14%  | 326  | 4.19%  | 729  | 9.38%
Garwood[41] | borough | 4,454  | 3,436  | 77.14%  | 69  | 1.55%  | 1  | 0.02%  | 119  | 2.67%  | 0  | 0.00%  | 32  | 0.72%  | 127  | 2.85%  | 670  | 15.04%
Hillside[42] | township | 22,456  | 3,787  | 16.86%  | 11,327  | 50.44%  | 25  | 0.11%  | 498  | 2.22%  | 0  | 0.00%  | 537  | 2.39%  | 1,093  | 4.87%  | 5,189  | 23.11%
Kean University[43] | CDP | 1,522  | 534  | 35.09%  | 614  | 40.34%  | 2  | 0.13%  | 59  | 3.88%  | 0  | 0.00%  | 8  | 0.53%  | 25  | 1.64%  | 280  | 18.40%
Kenilworth[44] | borough | 8,427  | 5,524  | 65.55%  | 219  | 2.60%  | 8  | 0.09%  | 435  | 5.16%  | 2  | 0.02%  | 38  | 0.45%  | 268  | 3.18%  | 1,933  | 22.94%
Linden[45] | city | 43,738  | 13,744  | 31.42%  | 11,722  | 26.80%  | 33  | 0.08%  | 1,484  | 3.39%  | 5  | 0.01%  | 541  | 1.24%  | 1,154  | 2.64%  | 15,055  | 34.42%
Mountainside[46] | borough | 7,020  | 5,498  | 78.32%  | 134  | 1.91%  | 2  | 0.03%  | 466  | 6.64%  | 0  | 0.00%  | 50  | 0.71%  | 203  | 2.89%  | 667  | 9.50%
New Providence[47] | borough | 13,650  | 9,429  | 69.08%  | 241  | 1.77%  | 7  | 0.05%  | 2,171  | 15.90%  | 2  | 0.01%  | 60  | 0.44%  | 489  | 3.58%  | 1,251  | 9.16%
Plainfield[48] | city | 54,586  | 3,383  | 6.20%  | 19,034  | 34.87%  | 104  | 0.19%  | 500  | 0.92%  | 8  | 0.01%  | 634  | 1.16%  | 1,131  | 2.07%  | 29,792  | 54.58%
Rahway[49] | city | 29,556  | 8,913  | 30.16%  | 8,892  | 30.09%  | 40  | 0.14%  | 1,622  | 5.49%  | 4  | 0.01%  | 228  | 0.77%  | 990  | 3.35%  | 8,867  | 30.00%
Roselle[50] | borough | 22,695  | 2,474  | 10.90%  | 10,800  | 47.59%  | 37  | 0.16%  | 580  | 2.56%  | 7  | 0.03%  | 222  | 0.98%  | 675  | 2.97%  | 7,900  | 34.81%
Scotch Plains[51] | township | 24,968  | 16,297  | 65.27%  | 2,365  | 9.47%  | 14  | 0.06%  | 2,610  | 10.45%  | 0  | 0.00%  | 145  | 0.58%  | 958  | 3.84%  | 2,579  | 10.33%
Springfield[52] | township | 17,178  | 11,140  | 64.85%  | 1,504  | 8.76%  | 7  | 0.04%  | 1,541  | 8.97%  | 1  | 0.01%  | 131  | 0.76%  | 619  | 3.60%  | 2,235  | 13.01%
Springfield[53] | CDP | 1,518  | 917  | 60.41%  | 102  | 6.72%  | 1  | 0.07%  | 114  | 7.51%  | 0  | 0.00%  | 14  | 0.92%  | 81  | 5.34%  | 289  | 19.04%
Summit[54] | city | 22,719  | 15,016  | 66.09%  | 895  | 3.94%  | 8  | 0.04%  | 2,371  | 10.44%  | 5  | 0.02%  | 126  | 0.55%  | 985  | 4.34%  | 3,313  | 14.58%
Union[55] | township | 59,728  | 19,146  | 32.06%  | 19,296  | 32.31%  | 68  | 0.11%  | 6,472  | 10.84%  | 13  | 0.02%  | 766  | 1.28%  | 2,068  | 3.46%  | 11,899  | 19.92%
Union[56] | CDP | 2,229  | 660  | 29.61%  | 565  | 25.35%  | 5  | 0.22%  | 326  | 14.63%  | 0  | 0.00%  | 55  | 2.47%  | 93  | 4.17%  | 525  | 23.55%
Vauxhall[57] | CDP | 5,251  | 354  | 6.74%  | 3,825  | 72.84%  | 12  | 0.23%  | 165  | 3.14%  | 0  | 0.00%  | 57  | 1.09%  | 147  | 2.80%  | 691  | 13.16%
Westfield[58] | town | 31,032  | 23,819  | 76.76%  | 790  | 2.55%  | 19  | 0.06%  | 2,735  | 8.81%  | 1  | 0.00%  | 150  | 0.48%  | 1,271  | 4.10%  | 2,247  | 7.24%
Winfield[59] | township | 1,423  | 1,187  | 83.42%  | 14  | 0.98%  | 2  | 0.14%  | 6  | 0.42%  | 1  | 0.07%  | 2  | 0.14%  | 72  | 5.06%  | 139  | 9.77%

### 2010 census

[edit]

The 2010 United States census counted 536,499 people, 188,118 households, and 134,692 families in the county. The population density was 5,216.1 inhabitants per square mile (2,013.9/km2). There were 199,489 housing units at an average density of 1,939.5 per square mile (748.8/km2). The racial makeup was 61.33% (329,052) White, 22.05% (118,313) Black or African American, 0.39% (2,080) Native American, 4.63% (24,839) Asian, 0.03% (163) Pacific Islander, 8.48% (45,496) from other races, and 3.09% (16,556) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 27.34% (146,704) of the population.[8]

Of the 188,118 households, 34.4% had children under the age of 18; 50.1% were married couples living together; 15.6% had a female householder with no husband present and 28.4% were non-families. Of all households, 23.6% were made up of individuals and 9.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.82 and the average family size was 3.32.[8]

24.5% of the population were under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 27.5% from 25 to 44, 26.8% from 45 to 64, and 12.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, the population had 94 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 90.7 males.[8]

## Government

[edit]

### County government

[edit]

The Union County Courthouse prior to 1900 Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth

Union County is governed by a nine-member Board of County Commissioners. The members are elected at-large in partisan elections to serve three-year terms on a staggered basis, with three seats coming up for election each year. The board sets policies for the operation of the county. The Commissioners perform the county's legislative and executive functions. In their legislative role, they formulate and adopt a budget and set county policies and procedures. In their executive role, they oversee county spending and functioning. Many of the administrative duties are delegated by the Board of County Commissioners to the County Manager. Each of the commissioners serves on various committees and boards as a part of their duties. These include committees on Economic Development, Parks and Recreation, and Public Works and Policy. In addition, the board oversees the county's Open Space Trust Fund. Day-to-day operation of the county and its departments is supervised by an appointed County Manager, Edward Oatman.[60] In 2016, freeholders were paid $30,692, while the Freeholder vice chairman received $31,732 and the Freeholder chairman had an annual salary of $32,773.[61] The County Manager is Edward Oatman.[62] No Republican has been elected to countywide office since 1995.

Union County is governed by a Board of County Commissioners, whose nine members are elected at-large to three-year terms of office on a staggered basis with three seats coming up for election each year, with an appointed County Manager overseeing the day-to-day operations of the county. At an annual reorganization meeting held in the beginning of January, the board selects a Chair and Vice Chair from among its members.[63] As of 2025[update], Union County's County Commissioners are (with terms for Chair and Vice-Chair ending every December 31):[64][65]

Commissioner  | Party, residence, term

|

Chair Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded  | D, Westfield, 2027[66]
Vice Chair Lourdes M. Leon  | D, Elizabeth, 2026[67]
James E. Baker Jr.  | D, Rahway, 2027[68]
Joseph Bodek  | D, Linden, 2026[69]
Michele Delisfort  | D, Union Township, 2026[70]
Sergio Granados  | D, Elizabeth, 2025[71]
Bette Jane Kowalski  | D, Cranford, 2025[72]
Alexander Mirabella  | D, Fanwood, 2027[73]
Rebecca Williams  | D, Plainfield, 2025[74]

Constitutional officers elected on a countywide basis are:

Office  | Party, residence, term

|

County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi  | D, Westfield, 2025[75][76]
Sheriff Peter Corvelli  | D, Kenilworth, 2026[77][78]
Surrogate Christopher E. Hudak  | D, Clark, 2027[79][80]

Union County constitutes Vicinage 12 of the New Jersey Superior Court and is seated at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth, with additional facilities also located in Elizabeth; the Assignment Judge for Vicinage 12 is Karen M. Cassidy.[81] Law enforcement at the county level includes the Union County Police Department, the Union County Sheriff's Office, and the Union County Prosecutor's Office. Union County's Acting Prosecutor is Michael A. Monahan.[82]

### Notable events in county government

[edit]

In 2023, Union County agreed to honor the site in North Jersey of what local activists described as the public execution by burning at the stake of three enslaved New Jerseyans in 1741.[83] In 2023, the county worked to revise its logo, which has had what has been described as the only county seal in the nation that depicts a woman being killed. The logo depicted Hannah Caldwell being shot by a British light infantryman during the Battle of Connecticut Farms.[84][85] In 2023, Union County moved to revise its county seal, asking residents to participate in an online poll to choose between two alternatives, both of which eliminate the depiction of Caldwell's death.[86] In 2022, controversy erupted over the county's deletion of negative social media comments made about the opening of Tëmike Park, an LGBTQ-inclusive playground, in Cedar Brook Park.[87][88][89] In 2022, a state court found the county illegally circumvented the public bidding process in awarding contracts for the construction of a proposed Union County government building in Elizabeth.[90][91]

In 2015, the county was forced to pay legal fees after losing a trademark claim it brought against a frequent county government critic who used the County of Union seal on her blog.[92] In 2011, an investigation found mismanagement of county funds in association with MusicFest, a free annual concert.[93] In 2009, following a First Amendment challenge by the American Civil Liberties Union, the county commissioners agreed to issue a public apology for cutting off speech by a resident who was addressing the board about possible nepotism on the county payroll.[94]

### Federal representatives

[edit]

Four Congressional Districts cover the county, including portions of the 7th, 8th, 10th and 12th districts.[95][96] For the 119th United States Congress, New Jersey's 7th congressional district is represented by Thomas Kean Jr. (R, Westfield).[97] For the 119th United States Congress, New Jersey's 8th congressional district is represented by Rob Menendez (D, Jersey City).[98][99] For the 119th United States Congress, New Jersey's 10th congressional district is represented by LaMonica McIver (D, Newark).[100] For the 119th United States Congress, New Jersey's 12th congressional district is represented by Bonnie Watson Coleman (D, Ewing Township).[101][102]

### State representatives

[edit]

The 21 municipalities of Union County are represented by four legislative districts.

District  | Senator[103] | Assembly[103] | Municipalities

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20th | Joseph Cryan (D) | Reginald Atkins (D)

Annette Quijano (D)

| Elizabeth, Kenilworth, Roselle, and Union Township.
21st | Jon Bramnick (R) | Michele Matsikoudis (R)

Nancy Munoz (R)

| Berkeley Heights, Garwood, Mountainside, New Providence, Springfield Township, Summit, and Westfield. The remainder of this district covers portions of Morris County, Middlesex County, and Somerset County.
22nd | Nicholas Scutari (D)  | James J. Kennedy (D)

Linda S. Carter (D)

| Clark, Cranford, Fanwood, Linden, Plainfield, Rahway, Roselle Park, Scotch Plains, and Winfield. The remainder of this district covers portions of Somerset County.
28th | Renee Burgess (D)  | Garnet Hall (D)

Cleopatra Tucker (D)

| Hillside. The remainder of this district covers portions of Essex County.

### Law enforcement

[edit]

Union County Sheriff's Office

The Union County Sheriff's Office is located in Elizabeth, New Jersey. It is currently headed by Peter Corvelli. It was headed by Ralph Froehlich, a Union resident who was first elected in 1977 and served in office for 37 years, making him the longest-serving Sheriff in New Jersey history.[104] There are two top deputies, known as undersheriffs, and they are Dennis Burke and Amilcar Colon. A 1981 investigation of the Union County Jail reviewed issues relating to overcrowding, escapes, escape attempts and suicides in the detention facility.[105]

On July 1, 2021, the Sheriff's Office regained control of the Union County Jail and made it a division within the organization; the Division of Corrections. The New Jersey State Policemen's Benevolent Association Local 108 is the official labor union and the collective bargaining agent for the Sheriff's Officers of Union County. This body is subdivided into Local 108 for the line officers and Local 108A for the supervisors (sergeants, lieutenants, and captains).

Union County Sheriff's Office - Division of Corrections Union County Park Police

The Union County Police Department operates independently of the Sheriff's office. The Union County Police Department originally began as the Union County Park Police. The Union County Police are tasked with patrolling Union County's properties. They also supplement the local municipalities with police presence and patrol when requested.[106] Martin Mogensen has been the Chief of Police since February 2023.[107]

The Union County Police have several divisions and are relied upon for their multiple services. Currently assigned are Patrol, Detective Bureau, Emergency Services Unit, and the Marine Unit. Union County Regional 911 and Dispatch is one of the many services that the County Police provide. They are the primary PSAP for multiple municipalities, provide police/fire/EMS dispatch, dispatch medics, and Union County Fire Mutual Aid. The PD belongs to the New Jersey State Policemen's Benevolent Association, Local 73.[108]

## Politics

[edit]

Union County is a strongly Democratic county. In the 2020 election, Democrat Joe Biden received the highest share of the vote for a Democrat in the county's history. As of October 1, 2021, there were a total of 362,501 registered voters in Union County, of whom 178,449 (49.2%) were registered as Democrats, 57,878 (16.0%) were registered as Republicans and 121,478 (33.5%) were registered as unaffiliated. There were 4,696 voters (1.3%) registered to other parties.[109] Among the county's 2010 Census population, 53.3% were registered to vote, including 70.6% of those ages 18 and over.[110][111]

United States presidential election results for Union County, New Jersey[112] Year  | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies)

|
|
|

No. | % | No. | % | No. | %
2024 | 89,063  | 36.81%  | 147,327  | 60.90% | 5,533  | 2.29%
2020 | 80,002  | 31.49%  | 170,245  | 67.01% | 3,794  | 1.49%
2016 | 68,114  | 30.47%  | 147,414  | 65.94% | 8,042  | 3.60%
2012 | 68,314  | 32.52%  | 139,752  | 66.52% | 2,022  | 0.96%
2008 | 78,768  | 35.41%  | 141,417  | 63.58% | 2,241  | 1.01%
2004 | 82,517  | 40.55%  | 119,372  | 58.66% | 1,613  | 0.79%
2000 | 68,554  | 36.78%  | 112,003  | 60.10% | 5,816  | 3.12%
1996 | 65,912  | 34.65%  | 108,102  | 56.82% | 16,227  | 8.53%
1992 | 87,742  | 41.76%  | 96,671  | 46.01% | 25,699  | 12.23%
1988 | 112,967  | 54.27% | 93,158  | 44.75%  | 2,028  | 0.97%
1984 | 135,446  | 59.11% | 92,056  | 40.17%  | 1,638  | 0.71%
1980 | 112,288  | 51.66% | 86,074  | 39.60%  | 18,977  | 8.73%
1976 | 118,019  | 51.56% | 106,267  | 46.42%  | 4,616  | 2.02%
1972 | 148,290  | 61.03% | 90,482  | 37.24%  | 4,201  | 1.73%
1968 | 110,309  | 45.72% | 109,674  | 45.46%  | 21,273  | 8.82%
1964 | 82,999  | 33.29%  | 164,989  | 66.17% | 1,359  | 0.55%
1960 | 123,224  | 50.29% | 119,986  | 48.97%  | 1,798  | 0.73%
1956 | 146,228  | 67.57% | 67,540  | 31.21%  | 2,646  | 1.22%
1952 | 122,885  | 60.46% | 78,336  | 38.54%  | 2,024  | 1.00%
1948 | 87,402  | 53.89% | 66,759  | 41.16%  | 8,019  | 4.94%
1944 | 86,543  | 52.57% | 75,969  | 46.15%  | 2,113  | 1.28%
1940 | 79,962  | 52.50% | 70,737  | 46.45%  | 1,597  | 1.05%
1936 | 59,553  | 45.08%  | 70,813  | 53.61% | 1,731  | 1.31%
1932 | 67,512  | 54.91% | 51,357  | 41.77%  | 4,092  | 3.33%
1928 | 68,119  | 64.21% | 37,476  | 35.32%  | 497  | 0.47%
1924 | 50,356  | 67.99% | 14,738  | 19.90%  | 8,966  | 12.11%
1920 | 39,409  | 72.57% | 12,103  | 22.29%  | 2,791  | 5.14%
1916 | 16,705  | 59.21% | 10,328  | 36.61%  | 1,181  | 4.19%
1912 | 5,421  | 21.55%  | 9,695  | 38.54% | 10,040  | 39.91%
1908 | 15,920  | 60.90% | 8,809  | 33.70%  | 1,414  | 5.41%
1904 | 13,906  | 58.92% | 8,574  | 36.33%  | 1,120  | 4.75%
1900 | 12,533  | 58.95% | 7,667  | 36.06%  | 1,061  | 4.99%
1896 | 11,707  | 61.58% | 6,073  | 31.95%  | 1,230  | 6.47%

Gubernatorial elections results

Gubernatorial elections results[113] Year  | Republican | Democratic

|
|

2021 | 37.6% 51,279 | 61.6% 83,913
2017 | 32.6% 39,552 | 65.2% 79,113
2013 | 51.2%  58,135 | 47.4% 53,869
2009 | 42.2% 56,769 | 51.1% 68,867
2005 | 38.0% 50,036 | 59.2% 77,982
2001 | 38.4% 50,780 | 60.3% 79,682
1997 | 46.6% 68,721 | 47.2% 69,673
1993 | 48.7% 76,359 | 48.8% 76,552
1989 | 36.7% 53,636 | 61.2% 89,419
1985 | 73.3%  102,411 | 25.1% 35,060
1981 | 53.4% 91,940 | 45.4% 78,251
1977 | 47.1% 77,695 | 49.7%  82,130
1973 | 30.0% 50,010 | 68.3%  113,678

## Education

[edit]

### Tertiary education

[edit]

Kean University, a co-educational, public research university dating back to 1855 is located in Union and Hillside, serving nearly 13,000 undergraduates. Kean University educates its students in the liberal arts, the sciences and the professions; it is best known for its programs in the humanities and social sciences and in education, graduating the most teachers in the state of New Jersey annually, along with a physical therapy program which it holds in conjunction with the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.[114]

Union College is the two-year community college for Union County, one of a network of 19 county colleges in New Jersey. Union College was founded in 1933 as Union County College and has campuses in Cranford, Elizabeth, Plainfield and Scotch Plains.[115]

### School districts

[edit]

Most municipalities have their own public high schools, exceptions being Garwood, whose students attend Arthur L. Johnson High School in Clark; Winfield, whose students attend David Brearley High School in Kenilworth; and Mountainside, whose students attend Governor Livingston High School in Berkeley Heights. Fanwood is mostly merged with Scotch Plains educationally and the two towns have one high school.

The county has the following school districts:[116][117][118]

K-12

* Berkeley Heights Public Schools
* Clark Public School District
* Cranford Township Public Schools
* Elizabeth Public Schools
* Hillside Public Schools
* Kenilworth Public Schools
* Linden Public Schools
* New Providence School District
* Plainfield Public School District
* Rahway Public Schools
* Roselle Park School District
* Roselle Public Schools
* Scotch Plains-Fanwood Regional School District
* Springfield Public Schools
* Summit Public Schools
* Union Public School District
* Westfield Public Schools

Elementary (K-8)

* Garwood Public Schools
* Mountainside School District
* Winfield Township School District

The county also has Union County Vocational Technical Schools, which has both full-time magnet programs that students must apply to, and split-time vocational programs.

## Economy

[edit]

The Bureau of Economic Analysis calculated that the county's gross domestic product was $34.4 billion in 2021, which was ranked eighth in the state and was a 2.4% increase from the prior year.[119]

The top employers in 2011, according to the Union County Economic Development Corporation, were:[120]

#  | Employer  | # of employees

|
|

1  | Merck & Co. | 10,000
2  | New England Motor Freight | 3,900
3  | USI Services Group  | 3,200
4  | Overlook Medical Center | 2,961
5  | Maher Terminals  | 1,700
6  | Trinitas Hospital  | 1,674
7  | Children's Specialized Hospital  | 1,440
8  | Alcatel-Lucent | 1,300
9  | ConocoPhillips | 1,000

## Transportation

[edit]

The county is served by rail, air, highways and ports.

### Roads and highways

[edit]

Garden State Parkway northbound entering Union County

As of 2010[update], the county had a total of 1,418.31 miles (2,282.55 km) of roadways, of which 1,158.45 miles (1,864.34 km) were maintained by the local municipality, 176.32 miles (283.76 km) by Union County and 66.22 miles (106.57 km) by the New Jersey Department of Transportation, 16.22 miles (26.10 km) by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and 1.10 miles (1.77 km) by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.[121][122]

Major highways which traverse the county include the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95), the Garden State Parkway, I-78, I-278, Route 1/9, Route 22, Route 24, Route 27, Route 28, Route 35 (only in Rahway), Route 82, Route 124, Route 439, and the Goethals Bridge. At 0.15 miles, Route 59, located entirely in Union County, is the shortest state highway in New Jersey.[123]

### Public transportation

[edit]

Passenger rail service is provide by NJ Transit via the Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast Line, Raritan Valley Line, the Morristown Line and the Gladstone Branch.[124][125][126][127][128] Freight service is provided by on Conrail's Lehigh Line and Chemical Coast Branch. Freight and passenger rail service was provided by the Rahway Valley Railroad from 1897 until 1992 when the short line closed due to lack of customers.[129]

NJ Transit provides bus service to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan, as well as service to major cities in New Jersey and within Union County.[130]

The Port Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal is part of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.[131]

The southern portion of Newark Liberty International Airport is located in Elizabeth, within Union County.[132]

### Potential rail-to-trails

[edit]

Union County Park Line rail trail is a proposed walking and/or biking trail proposed on old railroad tracks. Two abandoned rails exist in the county.[133]

The City of Summit and the Summit Park Line Foundation are working on turning the line from Morris Avenue to Briant Park in Summit into a rail trail that will be approximately one mile long. This rail trail, potentially called the Summit Park Line, could provide a greenway to connect several county parks, akin to a Summit High Line.[134] A path could run directly from Summit to the Arthur Kill in Linden, New Jersey on the Rahway Valley Railroad and the Staten Island Rapid Transit line.

The Summit city council applied for a $1 million grant toward the Summit Park Line project in November 2016.[135] "If Summit is able to complete the project, it might help other parts of the greenway come through," said Union County Public Relations Coordinator, Sebastian Delia.[136]

The Rahway Valley Railroad runs from Summit to Roselle Park. Beginning in Hidden Valley Park, the railroad right-of-way continues by connecting Houdaille Quarry, Briant Park, Meisel Park, Rahway River Parkway, Galloping Hill Golf Course and Black Brook Park. The ending of the railway is on Westfield Avenue in Roselle Park. The Staten Island Rapid Transit runs from Cranford to Staten Island, although the project would only include the section that runs from Cranford to Linden.[136] The possible inception in Cranford would be a lot on South Avenue East. The ending of this trail would be in Linden at an empty lot. A boardwalk would run over the existing tracks to ease line reactivation.

## Municipalities

[edit]

Index map of Union County municipalities (click to see index key)

Interactive map of municipalities in Union County.

The 21 municipalities in Union County (with 2010 Census data for population, housing units and area) are:[137]

Municipality
(with map key)  | Map key  | Municipal
type  | Population  | Housing
units  | Total
area  | Water
area  | Land
area  | Pop.
density  | Housing
density  | School district  | Communities[138]

|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|

Berkeley Heights | 21 | township | 13,285 | 4,596 | 6.27 | 0.05 | 6.21 | 2,122.4 | 739.9  | Berkeley Heights | Murray Hill (part)
Clark | 14 | township | 15,544 | 5,751 | 4.49 | 0.19 | 4.30 | 3,430.5 | 1,337.0  | Clark |
Cranford | 16 | township | 23,847 | 8,816 | 4.87 | 0.04 | 4.83 | 4,684.6 | 1,825.4  | Cranford Township | Cranford CDP (2,032)
Elizabeth | 11 | city | 137,298 | 45,516 | 13.46 | 1.15 | 12.32 | 10,144.1 | 3,694.7  | Elizabeth |
Fanwood | 6 | borough | 7,774 | 2,686 | 1.34 | 0.00 | 1.34 | 5,454.1 | 2,001.9  | Scotch Plains-Fanwood |
Garwood | 5 | borough | 4,454 | 1,870 | 0.66 | 0.00 | 0.66 | 6,362.7 | 2,815.5  | Clark (9-12) (S/R)

Garwood (PK-8)

Hillside | 19 | township | 22,456 | 7,536 | 2.76 | 0.01 | 2.75 | 7,784.0 | 2,740.6  | Hillside |
Kenilworth | 8 | borough | 8,427 | 2,924 | 2.16 | 0.00 | 2.16 | 3,668.3 | 1,355.3  | Kenilworth | Kean University CDP (part; 1,522)
Linden | 12 | city | 43,738 | 15,872 | 11.41 | 0.73 | 10.68 | 3,793.8 | 1,486.8  | Linden |
Mountainside | 3 | borough | 7,020 | 2,558 | 4.05 | 0.04 | 4.01 | 1,668.0 | 638.3  | Berkeley Heights (9-12) (S/R)
Mountainside (PK-8)  |
New Providence | 2 | borough | 13,650 | 4,537 | 3.66 | 0.02 | 3.64 | 3,343.4 | 1,246.3  | New Providence | Murray Hill (part)
Plainfield | 7 | city | 54,586 | 16,621 | 6.03 | 0.01 | 6.02 | 8,270.1 | 2,759.8  | Plainfield |
Rahway | 13 | city | 29,556 | 11,300 | 4.03 | 0.13 | 3.90 | 7,016.8 | 2,899.5  | Rahway |
Roselle | 10 | borough | 22,695 | 7,939 | 2.66 | 0.01 | 2.65 | 7,953.5 | 2,994.7  | Roselle |
Roselle Park | 9 | borough | 13,967 | 5,231 | 1.23 | 0.00 | 1.23 | 10,792.7 | 4,245.8  | Roselle Park |
Scotch Plains | 20 | township | 24,968 | 8,896 | 9.05 | 0.03 | 9.02 | 2,606.9 | 986.4  | Scotch Plains-Fanwood |
Springfield | 17 | township | 17,178 | 6,736 | 5.19 | 0.02 | 5.17 | 3,057.2 | 1,302.0  | Springfield | Springfield CDP (1,518)
Summit | 1 | city | 22,719 | 8,190 | 6.05 | 0.05 | 6.00 | 3,578.9 | 1,366.0  | Summit |
Union | 18 | township | 59,728 | 20,250 | 9.09 | 0.02 | 9.07 | 6,244.3 | 2,232.4  | Union | Connecticut Farms CDP (545)
Kean University CDP (part; 1,522)
Union CDP (2,229)
Vauxhall CDP (5,251)
Westfield | 4 | town | 31,032 | 10,950 | 6.74 | 0.02 | 6.72 | 4,512.2 | 1,629.8  | Westfield |
Winfield | 15 | township | 1,423 | 714 | 0.18 | 0.00 | 0.18 | 8,320.1 | 4,038.5  | Kenilworth (9-12) (S/R)
Winfield Township (PK-8)  |
Union County  |  | county | 575,345 | 199,489 | 105.40 | 2.55 | 102.85 | 5,216.1 | 1,939.5

## Parks and recreation

[edit]

Warinanco Park in Roselle

County parks are maintained and operated by the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, the successor agency to the Union County Park Commission.

### County-run parks

[edit]

[139]

* Ash Brook Reservation, Scotch Plains
* Black Brook Park, Kenilworth
* Briant Park, Summit[140][141]
* Brookside Park, Scotch Plains

Shakespeare Garden at Cedar Brook Park, Plainfield

* Cedar Brook Park, Plainfield
* Home to the Shakespeare Garden.
* Echo Lake Park, Westfield and Mountainside
* The privately owned Echo Lake Country Club donated the parkland for this park in the 1920s. The name arises from the echo heard off the high bluff on the far side of the lake. Echo Lake itself was created by damning when mills were established on Nomahegan Brook, a tributary of the Rahway River. The Great Minisink Trail passed by Echo Lake Park.
* Elizabeth River Parkway
* Esposito Park, Clark
* Features a 1/2-mile path with exercise equipment and a skate park
* Green Brook Park, Plainfield (partial)
* Hidden Valley Park, Springfield and Summit[142][141]
* Eastern border is adjacent to the now-closed Houdaille Quarry.
* Houdaille Quarry, Springfield (closed to public)
* Kawameeh Park, Union
* Lenape Park, Cranford, Westfield, and Kenilworth
* In the 1930s, workers digging Lenape Lake found mastodon bones here.
* Madison Avenue Park, Rahway
* Adjacent to Rahway 7th and 8th Grade Academy

Mattano Park

* Clark Reservoir Recreation Area
* Mattano Park, Elizabeth
* Named for a Lenape tribal leader, whose name was recorded by colonists as Mattano. In 1664, a group called the Elizabethtown Associates bought land in the Union County area from Mattano and another Lenape leader named Warinanco.
* McConnell Park, Cranford
* Named for the first town doctor in Cranford
* Milton Lake Park, Clark and Rahway
* Mindowaskin Park, Westfield
* Nomahegan Park, Cranford
* Contains Nomahegan Park Pond and encircles the Rahway River.Nomahegan Pond near Union County College in Cranford
* Oak Ridge Park, Clark
* Passaic River Parkway,[143][141] Berkeley Heights, New Providence, and Summit
* Phil Rizzuto Park, Elizabeth
* Ponderosa Farm Park, Scotch Plains
* Rahway River Park, Rahway
* Environmental groups protested at the building of a stadium here in 2016. The movement gave birth to Friends of Rahway River Parkway.[144]
* Rahway River Parkway
* Snyder Avenue Park, Berkeley Heights
* Sperry Park, Cranford
* Stanley Avenue Park, Summit
* Tamaques Park, Scotch Plains
* Unami Park, Cranford, Garwood, and Westfield
* Washington Avenue Park, Springfield
* Watchung Reservation, Mountainside and Scotch Plains
* Warinanco Park, Elizabeth and Roselle
* Named for the Native American known as "Warinanco." Designed by the Olmsted Brothers firm.
* Wheeler Park, Linden

### Other notable parks

[edit]

Parks that are not managed by the county government include:

* Hawk Rise Sanctuary. A bird sanctuary was built in 2012 on the banks of Rahway River in Linden. Hawk Rise Sanctuary is a 95-acre ecological preserve and wetland complex in Linden in an area previously concealed by various industrial land uses. Its trails were created adjacent to the former Linden Landfill area by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the city of Linden and the New Jersey Audubon Society.[145] The trails in the Hawk Rise forest are boardwalk, with some continuing as gravel along the edge of the former Linden Landfill. It has an overlook area where hikers can view the Rahway River and nearby marshes. It has been open to the public since 2012. The site includes diverse environments: forested wetlands, vernal pools, grasslands, shrublands, salt marsh, mudflats, a pond, and the tidal Rahway River. 163 bird species have been spotted there.[146][147] It has been reported as vandalized.[145]
* Reeves-Reed Arboretum in Summit.[148]
* Kennedy Reservation in Union.[149]
* The grounds of Liberty Hall Museum near the campus of Kean University in Union and Elizabeth.

### Rahway River Parkway

[edit]

The Rahway River Parkway is a greenway of parkland that hugs the Rahway River and its tributaries, such as Nomahegan Brook. It was the inaugural project of the Union County Parks Commission designed in the 1920s by the Olmsted Brothers firm, who were the sons of landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. Several county and municipal parks run along the Rahway River.[150][151]

### Elizabeth River Parkway

[edit]

The Elizabeth River Parkway is a greenway of parkland alongside the Elizabeth River and its tributaries. It runs through Kean University and Liberty Hall Museum on the river's way to the Arthur Kill. The Elizabeth River Parkway is broken down into separate sections.

* Chatfield/Zimmerman - Hillside and Union Township[152]
* Lightning Brook - Hillside and Union[153]
* Galloping Hill Golf Course in November 2022Pruden/Pearl Oval - Elizabeth[154]
* Salem/Rutgers/Liberty - Hillside and Union[155]
* Woodruff/Conant Street - Hillside and Union[156]
* Ursino - Hillside and Union Township[157]

### Public golf courses

[edit]

Union County's Division of Golf Operations runs two golf courses, which offer golf lessons and practice areas.[158]

* Ash Brook Golf Course in Scotch Plains.
* Galloping Hill Golf Course and Golf Learning Center in Kenilworth.[159] The facility, which hosts the headquarters of the New Jersey State Golf Association, hosted the 2016 New Jersey State Open golf tournament, the first public golf course to host the tournament since it was established in 1921.[160]

Another notable course

* Shady Rest Country Club [161] in Scotch Plains is recognized as the first African-American owned and operated golf clubhouse in the United States. As such, Shady Rest is the home course of the first African-American golf professional to play in the U.S. Open, John Matthew Shippen, Jr. (1879-1968), who is considered a pioneer of the sport.[162] Originally a private club and center for African-American social life, the township acquired and renamed it in the 1930s as the 'Scotch Hills Country Club' and made it open to the public. The history and significance of the course and clubhouse has not always been promoted as a place of national historic interest. Thankfully, the National Park Service has listed the Shady Rest Golf and Country Club (_100007869) in the National Registry of Historic Places, in large part due to the efforts of the Preserve Shady Rest Committee.[163] The committee continues working to further solidify Shady Rest as a local, state, and national landmark given its historical significance.[164][165][161]

### Private golf courses

[edit]

* Baltusrol Golf Club is a private 36-hole golf club in Springfield founded in 1895 by Louis Keller. Both courses were originally designed by A. W. Tillinghast in 1918. The club has hosted seven U.S. Opens and the 2005 and 2016 PGA Championships.[166]
* Echo Lake Country Club is a private, member-owned country club located in Westfield, founded in 1899. The 18-hole golf course was designed by Donald Ross in 1913.[167]
* Hyatt Hills Golf Complex in Clark
* Shackamaxon Country Club
* Suburban Golf Club

### Other recreational facilities

[edit]

Deserted Village of Feltville

* Clark Community Pool[168]
* Centennial Avenue Pool in Cranford, NJ
* Oak Ridge Archery Range
* Orange Avenue Pool in Cranford, NJ
* Trailside Nature and Science Center at Watchung Reservation
* Warinanco Ice Skating Rink
* Wheeler Park
* Westfield Memorial Pool
* Spray Pool – Wheeler Park (Linden)
* County Pool – Rahway River Park (Rahway)

## Arts and culture

[edit]

* The Union County Performing Arts Center, located in the Rahway Arts District, offers professional productions in music and theater as well as training in the performing arts.[169]
* Kean Stage is the professional performing arts arm of Kean University. It is home to Wilkins Theatre on the Kean Main Campus in Union, Enlow Recital Hall directly across the Elizabeth River in East Campus in Hillside, as well as Premiere Stages, the professional equity theater company in residence at Kean University.[170][171]
* The Cranford Dramatic Club is New Jersey's oldest continually producing theater and has been putting on theatrical productions since its establishment in 1919.[172]
* Tomasulo Art Gallery is in the MacKay Library at Union County College's Cranford campus.[173]
* The Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts, located in Berkeley Heights and New Providence, is a center for music training and other training in performing arts, particularly aimed at children. It consists of the Performing Arts School (formerly Wharton Music Center), New Jersey Youth Symphony, and Paterson Music Project.[174]
* The Plainfield Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1919, making it the state's oldest community orchestra.[175]
* The duCret School of Art in Plainfield was founded in 1926.[176]
* The Swain Gallery, in Plainfield, was founded in 1868 and is the oldest privately owned art gallery in the state.[177]

### Union County Historical Society

[edit]

In 1869, the Union County Historical Society of New Jersey was incorporated. The society meets at the Hanson House in Cranford.[178]

### Municipal historical societies

[edit]

* Berkeley Heights - The Berkeley Heights Historical Society.[179]
* Clark \- The Clark Historical Society was founded in 1970. It operates the Dr. William Robinson Plantation House Museum, built in 1690 by a doctor from Scotland.[180]
* Cranford \- The Cranford Historic Preservation Advisory Board is an official township committee body, while the Cranford Historical Society itself is citizen-run. It is located in the Hanson House in Hanson Park on Springfield Avenue and maintains the Crane-Phillips House (c. 1845) a couple of blocks south on North Union Avenue as a museum.[181]
* Garwood \- Garwood Historical Committee.[182]
* Hillside \- The Hillside Historical Society, founded in 1975, meets at the Woodruff House.[183]
* Kenilworth \- The Kenilworth Historical Society dates to 1974. It runs the Oswald J. Nitschke House (c. 1880).[184]
* Linden - The Linden Society for Historical Preservation is an offshoot of an official cultural board in the city.[185]
* Mountainside \- The Mountainside Restoration Committee, Inc. is also called the Mountainside Historic Committee, founded in 1984.[186]
* Plainfield - The Historical Society of Plainfield is headquartered at the Nathaniel Drake House Museum, built in 1746 on the Old York Road.[187][188]
* Rahway \- The Rahway Historical Society is now called the Merchants' and Drovers' Tavern Museum Association.[189]
* Scotch Plains and Fanwood \- The Scotch Plains-Fanwood Historical Society runs the Osborn Cannonball House.[190]
* Springfield \- The Historic Cannon Ball House serves as the home of the Springfield Historical Society.[191]
* Westfield \- The Westfield Historical Society is in the Reeve History & Cultural Resource Center, a structure from the 1870s. The Society also runs the Miller-Cory House Museum, in a home that dates back to the 1740s.[192]
* Union - Union Township Historical Society is located in the 1782 historic Caldwell Parsonage. The Society's mission is to preserve and promote the rich and diverse history of the Township of Union.

### Other historical preservation groups

[edit]

* Friends of Rahway River Parkway is dedicated to preserving Olmsted design principles and features of county parkland along the Rahway River as it flows to the Arthur Kill.[193]

### Sister city

[edit]

The county has a sister city relationship with Wenzhou in Zhejiang, China.[194][195]

## See also

[edit]

* New Jersey portal

* National Register of Historic Places listings in Union County, New Jersey

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b Snyder, John P. The Story of New Jersey's Civil Boundaries: 1606–1968, Bureau of Geology and Topography; Trenton, New Jersey; 1969. p. 237. Accessed January 21, 2013.
2. ^ Hutchinson, Viola L. The Origin of New Jersey Place Names, New Jersey Public Library Commission, May 1945. Accessed September 30, 2019.
3. ^ a b New Jersey County Map, New Jersey Department of State. Accessed December 22, 2022.
4. ^ a b 2020 Census Gazetteer File for Counties in New Jersey, United States Census Bureau. Accessed April 1, 2023.
5. ^ a b c d QuickFacts Union County, New Jersey; New Jersey, United States Census Bureau. Accessed March 26, 2025.
6. ^ a b c d Total Population: Census 2010 - Census 2020 New Jersey Municipalities, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Accessed December 1, 2022.
7. ^ Table1. New Jersey Counties and Most Populous Cities and Townships: 2020 and 2010 Censuses, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Accessed December 1, 2022.
8. ^ a b c d e DP1 – Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data for Union County, New Jersey, United States Census Bureau. Accessed January 21, 2013.
9. ^ a b New Jersey: 2010 - Population and Housing Unit Counts; 2010 Census of Population and Housing, p. 6, CPH-2-32. United States Census Bureau, August 2012. Accessed August 29, 2016.
10. ^ "Regions: North, Central, South, Shore - Best of NJ", Best of NJ. Accessed January 13, 2024. "Central Jersey consists of Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset, and Union County."
11. ^ Willis, David P. "'This is how wars start': Does Central Jersey include both Ocean and Union counties?", Asbury Park Press, February 20, 2023. Accessed March 31, 2024. "North Jersey is defined as Sussex, Warren, Morris, Passaic, Bergen, Essex and Hudson counties; South Jersey would be Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Atlantic, Salem, Cumberland and Cape May counties. But for Central, things get a little tricky. It would include Hunterdon, Somerset, Union, Middlesex, Mercer, Monmouth, and Ocean counties."
12. ^ "Does Central NJ exist? State group says Union County belongs", Asbury Park Press, February 26, 2022. Accessed July 24, 2025.
13. ^ 250 Highest Per Capita Personal Incomes available for 3113 counties in the United States: 2015, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Accessed October 24, 2017.
14. ^ Local Area Personal Income: 2015 Archived October 15, 2017, at the Wayback Machine, Bureau of Economic Analysis. Accessed October 24, 2017.
15. ^ 250 Highest Per Capita Personal Incomes of the 3113 Counties in the United States, 2009 Archived December 12, 2011, at the Wayback Machine, Bureau of Economic Analysis. Accessed April 9, 2012.
16. ^ Woolsey, Matt. "In Depth: Who Pays America's Highest Property Taxes? 2. Union County, N.J.", Forbes, January 23, 2009. Accessed October 2, 2013.
17. ^ "Census 2000 Data Rankings; A data rankings document focused on the Roanoke Valley and Alleghany Highlands region" Archived October 23, 2013, at the Wayback Machine, Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission, p. 22. Accessed October 6, 2013.
18. ^ Staff. "Census 2010 data show population and diversity trends" Archived October 5, 2013, at the Wayback Machine, USA Today. Accessed October 2, 2013. Click on "Population per Square Mile" to sort counties nationwide by descending population density, which was calculated based on total land area (including water) and lists Union as 18th and Essex as 14th.
19. ^ New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places - Union County Archived October 16, 2014, at the Wayback Machine, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Historic Preservation Office, updated November 28, 2016. Accessed December 21, 2016.
20. ^ Staff. "'Four Centuries in a Weekend' program at Nitschke House celebrates New Orange/Kenilworth, A College Town", Suburban News, October 8, 2015. Accessed January 3, 2017.
21. ^ New Jersey County High Points, Peakbagger.com. Accessed October 5, 2013.
22. ^ a b Monthly Averages for Elizabeth, New Jersey, The Weather Channel. Accessed October 13, 2012.
23. ^ Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties in New Jersey: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2024, United States Census Bureau, released March 2024. Accessed March 26, 2025.
24. ^ Forstall, Richard L. Population of states and counties of the United States: 1790 to 1990 from the Twenty-one Decennial Censuses, pp. 108–109. United States Census Bureau, March 1996. ISBN 9780934213486. Accessed October 6, 2013.
25. ^ DP-1 – Profile of General Demographic Characteristics: 2000; Census 2000 Summary File 1 (SF 1) 100-Percent Data for Union County, New Jersey, United States Census Bureau. Accessed September 30, 2013.
26. ^ U.S. Census Bureau Delivers New Jersey's 2010 Census Population Totals, United States Census Bureau, February 3, 2011. Accessed February 5, 2011.
27. ^ Union County, Jewish Virtual Library. Accessed November 24, 2014. "Union County, county in N.E. New Jersey. Of Union County's 532,000 residents (2004 census), about 35,000 were Jews. Major Jewish communities are in Elizabeth-Hillside, Westfield, Scotch Plains, Springfield, Union, Cranford, and Linden."
28. ^ "P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Union County, New Jersey". United States Census Bureau.
29. ^ "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) - Union County, New Jersey". United States Census Bureau.
30. ^ "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) - Union County, New Jersey". United States Census Bureau.
31. ^ a b "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – United States by State and Territory". United States Census Bureau.
32. ^ "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: Dec Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – New Jersey". United States Census Bureau.
33. ^ "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: Dec Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Union County, New Jersey". United States Census Bureau.
34. ^ "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Berkeley Heights township, Union County, New Jersey". United States Census Bureau.
35. ^ "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Clark township, Union County, New Jersey". United States Census Bureau.
36. ^ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) - Connecticut Farms CDP, New Jersey". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
37. ^ "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Cranford township, Union County, New Jersey". United States Census Bureau.
38. ^ "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Cranford CDP, New Jersey". United States Census Bureau.
39. ^ "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Elizabeth city, New Jersey". United States Census Bureau.
40. ^ "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Fanwood borough, New Jersey". United States Census Bureau.
41. ^ "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Garwood borough, New Jersey". United States Census Bureau.
42. ^ "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Hillside township, Union County, New Jersey". United States Census Bureau.
43. ^ "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Kean University CDP, New Jersey". United States Census Bureau.
44. ^ "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Kenilworth borough, New Jersey". United States Census Bureau.
45. ^ "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Linden city, New Jersey". United States Census Bureau.
46. ^ "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Mountainside borough, New Jersey". United States Census Bureau.
47. ^ "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – New Providence borough, New Jersey". United States Census Bureau.
48. ^ "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Plainfield city, New Jersey". United States Census Bureau.
49. ^ "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Rahway city, New Jersey". United States Census Bureau.
50. ^ "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Roselle borough, New Jersey". United States Census Bureau.
51. ^ "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Scotch Plains township, Union County, New Jersey". United States Census Bureau.
52. ^ "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Springfield township, Union County, New Jersey". United States Census Bureau.
53. ^ "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Springfield CDP, New Jersey". United States Census Bureau.
54. ^ "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Summit city, New Jersey". United States Census Bureau.
55. ^ "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Union Township, Union County, New Jersey". United States Census Bureau.
56. ^ "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Union CDP, New Jersey". United States Census Bureau.
57. ^ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Vauxhall CDP, New Jersey". United States Census Bureau.
58. ^ "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Westfield town, New Jersey". United States Census Bureau.
59. ^ "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Winfield township, Union County, New Jersey". United States Census Bureau.
60. ^ Office of the County Manager, Union County, New Jersey. Accessed October 21, 2018.
61. ^ Gallo Jr., Bill. "Which N.J. county freeholders are paid the most?", NJ.com, March 11, 2016. Accessed October 25, 2017. "Commussioner chairman: $32,773; the vice chair: $31,732; Others: $30,692"
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67. ^ Commissioner Lourdes M. Leon, Union County, New Jersey. Accessed May 20, 2022.
68. ^ Commissioner James E. Baker Jr., Union County, New Jersey. Accessed May 20, 2022.
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71. ^ Commissioner Sergio Granados, Union County, New Jersey. Accessed May 20, 2022.
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73. ^ Commissioner Alexander Mirabella, Union County, New Jersey. Accessed May 20, 2022.
74. ^ Chair Rebecca Williams Archived November 2, 2022, at the Wayback Machine, Union County, New Jersey. Accessed May 20, 2022.
75. ^ County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi, Union County Votes. Accessed May 20, 2022.
76. ^ Clerks, Constitutional Officers Association of New Jersey. Accessed May 20, 2022.
77. ^ Sheriff Peter Corvelli, Union County Sheriff's Office. Accessed May 20, 2022.
78. ^ Sheriffs, Constitutional Officers Association of New Jersey. Accessed May 20, 2022.
79. ^ Office of the Union County Surrogate, Union County, New Jersey. Accessed December 7, 2022.
80. ^ Surrogates, Constitutional Officers Association of New Jersey. Accessed December 7, 2022.
81. ^ Union Vicinage, New Jersey Courts. Accessed October 23, 2017.
82. ^ Meet the Acting Prosecutor Michael A. Monahan Archived September 28, 2018, at the Wayback Machine, Office of the Union County Prosecutor. Accessed October 21, 2018. "Michael A. Monahan was sworn in as Acting Prosecutor of Union County on January 31, 2018."
83. ^ Crowley-Hughes, Andrea. "Activist Asks Union County to Memorialize Black People Burned at Stake in 1741", TAPinto Westfield, March 29, 2023. Accessed June 24, 2023. "'In 1741, as the antislavery movement gained momentum and slave rebellion increased, white hysteria over rumors of a slave uprising led to the 'burning at the stake' of three blacks at the site of the present Union County Courthouse,' Washington writes."
84. ^ Hutchins, Ryan. "Union County officials battle activist over use of controversial county seal", The Star-Ledger, July 10, 2011. Accessed March 29, 2023. "The seal depicts the shooting death of Elizabethtown’s Hannah Caldwell during the Revolutionary War, said to be an assassination carried out by a British soldier. Her death was a flashpoint that turned many wavering Jerseyans against their occupiers and ignited fury across the colonies.... One thing that is clear, according to Shallcross, is that it’s one of a kind. 'Out of thousands and thousands of county seals, it’s the only one that portrays a murder,' he said."
85. ^ Seal of Union County, NJ
86. ^ Kudisch, Brianna. "County seal depicting woman’s murder is out as N.J. officials unveil 2 options for redesign", NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, March 28, 2023. Accessed March 29, 2023. "Union County officials are changing the county’s seal — which currently depicts a murder of a woman during the Revolutionary War — and asking the public for input on the redesign. Two options for the new seal were unveiled on the county website on Monday. Residents are encouraged to vote in an online poll before April 24 to help select the new seal."
87. ^ "Union County Responds to Hateful Comments on Pride Event Facebook Post". TAPinto.
88. ^ "Hate Comments On Union Co. Pride Post Prompt County Response". Cranford, NJ Patch. June 27, 2022.
89. ^ "Inclusive Park Sparks Debate Over Acceptance, Free Speech". June 29, 2022.
90. ^ NJ.com, Ted Sherman | NJ Advance Media for (December 12, 2021). "Was politics in play when public bidding laws were cast aside for a $123.8M project?". nj.`{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
91. ^ "After Latest Setback in Court, Union County May Seek 'Alternative' to Build its Complex". TAPinto.
92. ^ "The government as trademark troll: Union County (N.J.) hit with $40K bill in First Amendment case". January 9, 2015.
93. ^ Hutchins, Ryan (August 26, 2011). "Union County MusicFest organizers lost track of concert money". NJ.com. Archived from the original on March 29, 2023.
94. ^ Star-Ledger, Michael Rispoli/The (August 20, 2009). "Union County freeholders will publicly apologize to man who questioned county hiring practices". nj.
95. ^ 2012 Congressional Districts by County, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections. Accessed October 2, 2013.
96. ^ Plan Components Report, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 23, 2011. Accessed October 2, 2013.
97. ^ Kean, Thomas. "Congressman Thomas Kean Jr". United States House of Representatives. United States House of Representatives. Retrieved February 15, 2025.
98. ^ Directory of Representatives: New Jersey, United States House of Representatives. Accessed January 3, 2019.
99. ^ Biography, Congressman Albio Sires. Accessed January 3, 2019. "Congressman Sires resides in West New York with his wife, Adrienne."
100. ^ "McIver sworn in to fill late New Jersey Rep. Payne's seat". The Hill. September 23, 2024.
101. ^ Directory of Representatives: New Jersey, United States House of Representatives. Accessed January 3, 2019.
102. ^ Biography, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman. Accessed January 3, 2019. "Watson Coleman and her husband William reside in Ewing Township and are blessed to have three sons; William, Troy, and Jared and three grandchildren; William, Kamryn and Ashanee."
103. ^ a b "New Jersey Legislature - Legislative Roster". www.njleg.state.nj.us. Retrieved April 29, 2021.
104. ^ Haydon, Tom. "Ralph Froehlich, longest-serving sheriff in NJ history, was told in 1970s he'd never win re-election", NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, July 22, 2014. Accessed March 22, 2017. "For 13 terms and 37 years, Froehlich presided over the Union County Sheriff's Office, developing programs that helped protect children and victims of domestic violence, fighting for tougher gun-control laws and working to save money by consolidating services. ... Froehlich, the longest-serving sheriff in New Jersey history, died Sunday night at Trinitas Hospital in Elizabeth after a battle with cancer, county officials said."
105. ^ Parisi, Albert J. "Suicide Sparks Union County Jail Inquiry", The New York Times, August 23, 1981. Accessed October 2, 2013.
106. ^ Division of Police, Union County, New Jersey. Accessed July 3, 2023. Martin H. Mogensen, Chief of Police"
107. ^ Crowley-Hughes, Andrea. "Union County Police Chief Retires With Pension Amid Internal Affairs Probe", TAPinto Westfield, February 10, 2023. Accessed July 3, 2023. "Following Debbie's retirement, patrol division Capt. Martin Mogensen is the designated officer in charge of the Union County Police Department, a spokesperson for the county said."
108. ^ "Union County Division of Police". Union County, New Jersey. March 3, 2014. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
109. ^ Statewide Voter Registration Summary as of October 1, 2021, New Jersey Department of State. Accessed July 28, 2022.
110. ^ Voter Registration Summary – Union, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, March 23, 2011. Accessed May 26, 2013.
111. ^ GCT-P7: Selected Age Groups: 2010 – State – County Subdivision; 2010 Census Summary File 1 for New Jersey, United States Census Bureau. Accessed May 26, 2013.
112. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved June 10, 2018.
113. ^ "NJ DOS - Division of Elections - Election Results Archive".
114. ^ Kean University Archived October 5, 2013, at the Wayback Machine, U.S. News & World Report. Accessed October 2, 2013.
115. ^ General Information Archived September 28, 2011, at the Wayback Machine, Union County College. Accessed October 2, 2013.
116. ^ New Jersey School Directory for Union County, New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed February 1, 2024.
117. ^ Search for Public School Districts in Union County, New Jersey, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed August 1, 2022.
118. ^ "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Union County, NJ" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on August 7, 2022. Retrieved August 6, 2022. \- Text list
119. ^ Gross Domestic Product by County, 2021, Bureau of Economic Analysis, released December 8, 2022. Accessed July 17, 2023.
120. ^ "Major Employers Report for Union County, NJ" (PDF). Union County, New Jersey. Union County Economical Development Corporation. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 29, 2013. Retrieved October 28, 2013.
121. ^ Union County Mileage by Municipality and Jurisdiction, New Jersey Department of Transportation, March 2019. Accessed December 25, 2020.
122. ^ Interstate 278 Straight Line Diagram, New Jersey Department of Transportation, June 2018. Accessed December 25, 2020
123. ^ Roberts, Russell. New Jersey's Atlantic Shore: From Sandy Hook to Atlantic City & on to Cape May, p. 3. Hunter Publishing, 2011. ISBN 9781588439796. Accessed October 27, 2019. "The shortest highway in America is in New Jersey. Route 59, clocking in at a whopping 792 feet, is located on the border of Cranford and Garwood. It was originally built in 1931 to be part of Route 22, but plans changed."
124. ^ Gladstone Branch Archived April 17, 2016, at the Wayback Machine, NJ Transit. Accessed October 6, 2013.
125. ^ Morristown Line Archived October 23, 2013, at the Wayback Machine, NJ Transit. Accessed October 6, 2013.
126. ^ Northeast Corridor Archived July 12, 2014, at the Wayback Machine, NJ Transit. Accessed October 6, 2013.
127. ^ North Jersey Coast Line Archived July 23, 2013, at the Wayback Machine, NJ Transit. Accessed October 6, 2013.
128. ^ Raritan Valley Line Archived October 15, 2013, at the Wayback Machine, NJ Transit. Accessed October 6, 2013.
129. ^ Boright, Walter E. "Rahway Valley Railroad: The little railroad that helped build Kenilworth, Part II", Cranford Chronicle, May 10, 2011. Accessed October 25, 2017. "He added that 1990 presented two major blows to the railroad. Its largest user, Monsanto Corp., closed its Kenilworth doors and the Rahway River Branch was then torn up. Second, Jaeger Lumber in Union ceased to use the railroad. Much of the land along the former Rahway River Branch was subdivided into building lots upon which homes and in some locations offices were constructed. The last train, carrying two hoppers, left Kenilworth on April 21, 1992."
130. ^ Union County Bus / Rail Connections, NJ Transit, backed up by the Internet Archive as of May 22, 2009. Accessed October 6, 2013.
131. ^ About the Port, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Accessed October 6, 2013.
132. ^ About the Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport. Accessed October 6, 2013.
133. ^ Abandoned right-of-ways Union County, Google Maps. Accessed December 21, 2016.
134. ^ About, Summit Park Line Foundation. Accessed January 3, 2017.
135. ^ Faszczewski, Bob. "Summit Council Applies for $1 Million Grant Toward Park Line Project; Parking 'Holidays' for Thanksgiving Weekend, December Approved", TAPintoSummit, November 3, 2016. Accessed January 3, 2017. "The Summit Common Council, at its first meeting of November, authorized application for a maximum $1 million federal grant that the majority of Council members feel will kick start the proposed Summit Park Line project, and bring needed sidewalks to sections of Broad Street and Morris Avenue in East Summit. ... As envisioned by the Summit Park Line Foundation, which is collecting private funding to pay for the project, the Park Line will convert an abandoned rail line right-of-way stretching from Briant Park through the central business district to a public park, walkways and nature areas while offering a view of the Manhattan skyline."
136. ^ a b http://unionnewsdaily.com/news/2465[permanent dead link]
137. ^ GCT-PH1: Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 – County – County Subdivision and Place from the 2010 Census Summary File 1 for Union County, New Jersey Archived February 13, 2020, at archive.today, United States Census Bureau. Accessed March 24, 2017.
138. ^ Locality Search, State of New Jersey. Accessed March 24, 2017.
139. ^ "Parks, Activities, Locations & Maps". County of Union, New Jersey. June 6, 2014. Retrieved April 9, 2020.
140. ^ Environmental Resource Inventory Archived February 16, 2017, at the Wayback Machine, City of Summit, 2011. Accessed October 23, 2017.
141. ^ a b c Map of Hidden Valley Park and Houdaille Quarry, Union County, New Jersey. Accessed October 23, 2017.
142. ^ City of Summit. https://www.cityofsummit.org/DocumentCenter/Home/View/612 Archived February 16, 2017, at the Wayback Machine
143. ^ Environmental Resource Inventory Archived February 16, 2017, at the Wayback Machine, City of Summit. Accessed June 11, 2018.
144. ^ "Historic Olmsted Design - Friends of Rahway River Parkway". Archived from the original on November 8, 2016. Retrieved May 26, 2017.
145. ^ a b "Hawk Rise Introduction". Archived from the original on May 27, 2017. Retrieved May 26, 2017.
146. ^ "Birds of Linden's Hawk Rise Sanctuary - New Jersey eBird".
147. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on December 23, 2016. Retrieved May 29, 2017.`{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
148. ^ History, Reeves-Reed Arboretum. Accessed October 25, 2017.
149. ^ "Community Meeting Set for Kennedy Reservation Discussion". TAPinto.
150. ^ Rahway River, Union County, New Jersey. Accessed January 3, 2017.
151. ^ Parks along the Rahway River Parkway, Google Maps. Accessed January 3, 2017.
152. ^ Zimmerman Park, Union County, New Jersey. Accessed December 22, 2016.
153. ^ Lightning Brook Section, Union County, New Jersey. Accessed December 22, 2016.
154. ^ Pruden Section, Union County, New Jersey. Accessed December 22, 2016.
155. ^ Salem Section, Union County, New Jersey. Accessed December 22, 2016.
156. ^ Conant Park, Union County, New Jersey. Accessed December 22, 2016.
157. ^ Ursino Section, Union County, New Jersey. Accessed December 22, 2016.
158. ^ Golf, Union County, New Jersey. Accessed January 3, 2017.
159. ^ Home Page, Galloping Hill Golf Course. Accessed January 3, 2017.
160. ^ Levin, Eric. "At Galloping Hill, a Promise Fulfilled; After eight years of renovation and preparation, Galloping Hill in Kenilworth becomes the first public golf course to host the New Jersey State Open. 'There is no better golf course in the state of New Jersey,' says winner Tyler Hall.", New Jersey Monthly, July 13, 2016. Accessed January 3, 2017. "The capper, though, is that the complete renovation of the course and the upgrading of the entire facility convinced the New Jersey State Golf Association to move its headquarters into the new clubhouse and, more importantly, commit to Galloping Hill as the site of the 2016 New Jersey State Open."
161. ^ a b "Shady Rest Country Club". shadyrestcountryclub.com.
162. ^ "John Matthew Shippen, Jr. (1879-1968) •". February 21, 2011.
163. ^ "Township of Scotch Plains, NJ - Shady Rest Golf and Country Club Joins National Register of Historic Places". scotchplainsnj.gov.
164. ^ "** Preservation New Jersey's Ten Most Endangered Historic Sites of 2009 **". pnj10most.org.
165. ^ "Weekly List 2022 07 08 - National Register of Historic Places (U.S. National Park Service)". www.nps.gov.
166. ^ About Us / Guest Info Archived July 11, 2017, at the Wayback Machine, Baltusrol Golf Club. Accessed October 25, 2017.
167. ^ The Club Archived October 26, 2017, at the Wayback Machine, Echo Lake Country Club. Accessed October 25, 2017.
168. ^ Clark Pool General Information Archived April 8, 2015, at the Wayback Machine, Clark Township. Accessed October 25, 2017.
169. ^ History of the Center Archived December 23, 2016, at the Wayback Machine, Union County Performing Arts Center. Accessed December 22, 2016.
170. ^ About Archived January 3, 2017, at the Wayback Machine, Kean Stage. Accessed January 3, 2017.
171. ^ About Us Archived June 18, 2017, at the Wayback Machine, Premiere Stages. Accessed January 4, 2017.
172. ^ About Archived January 28, 2020, at the Wayback Machine, Cranford Dramatic Club. Accessed January 3, 2017.
173. ^ Tomasulo Art Gallery Archived December 23, 2016, at the Wayback Machine, Union County College. Accessed December 22, 2016. "The Tomasulo Art Gallery is located on the first floor of the Kenneth Campbell MacKay Library on the Cranford, New Jersey campus of Union County College."
174. ^ Staff. "Joel Perry, guitarist and educator, has all the jazz", Courier News, December 3, 2016. Accessed January 3, 2017. "The Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts' mission is to provide the highest quality performing arts education to a range of students in a supportive and inclusive environment, according to the news release. Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts is located in Berkeley Heights, New Providence and Paterson, New Jersey and reaches students from 13 counties."
175. ^ About, Plainfield Symphony Orchestra. Accessed December 22, 2016. "Plainfield Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1919, is the oldest community symphony in New Jersey."
176. ^ Sagara, Eric. "Plainfield art school celebrates 85th anniversary", The Star-Ledger, March 26, 2012. Accessed December 22, 2016. "DuCret was founded in 1926 by Marjorie Van Emburgh, a local artist and teacher who wanted to create an art school comparable to what was found in major metropolitan areas such as New York City or Philadelphia."
177. ^ History, Swain Galleries. Accessed January 3, 2017.
178. ^ Home Page, Union County Historical Society of New Jersey. Accessed November 21, 2016.
179. ^ Berkeley Heights Historical Society seeks new members http://s.nj.com/0yK2UVD Archived December 30, 2016, at the Wayback Machine
180. ^ History, Dr. Wm. Robinson Plantation Museum. Accessed August 8, 2022.
181. ^ Location of Crane-Phillips House: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Crane-Phillips+House+Museum/@40.6579805,-74.3040888,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x89c3b222377c4005:0x49f4c2d730c69998!8m2!3d40.6579805!4d-74.3019001
182. ^ The Evolution of Garwood, Borough of Garwood. Accessed December 21, 2016.
183. ^ History, Hillside Historical Society. Accessed August 8, 2022.
184. ^ About Us, Kenilworth Historical Society. Accessed December 21, 2016.
185. ^ "Cultural & Heritage Committee – City of Linden". Archived from the original on January 18, 2017. Retrieved January 16, 2017.
186. ^ About Us Archived December 22, 2016, at the Wayback Machine, Mountainside Restoration Committee. Accessed December 21, 2016.
187. ^ About Archived January 4, 2017, at the Wayback Machine, Drake House Museum. Accessed January 3, 2017.
188. ^ Staff. "Historical Society of Plainfield to host discussion on 'Wagon Train' journey", Suburban News, February 16, 2016. January 3, 2017.
189. ^ About s, The Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum. Accessed January 3, 2017.
190. ^ About, Scotch Plains-Fanwood Historical Society. Accessed December 21, 2016.
191. ^ Springfield Historical Society. Accessed February 1, 2019.
192. ^ Home Page, Westfield Historical Society. Accessed January 3, 2017. "The Westfield Historical Society is based in the Reeve History & Cultural Resource Center, located in an 1870s home at 314 Mountain Avenue. The Society also owns the Miller - Cory House Museum located at 614 Mountain Avenue."
193. ^ Welcome, Friends of Rahway River Parkway. Accessed October 25, 2017.
194. ^ "Position Paper on Sister State and Sister City Relations Between Australia and China", Australia-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry of New South Wales, dated November 14, 2001. Accessed August 30, 2015.
195. ^ Dennis, Anita. "New Jersey & Co.; The Selling of New Jersey, and Its Difficulties", The New York Times, October 1, 2000. Accessed February 25, 2017. "In addition, the Chinese province has a long relationship with the state and with Union County. Zheijiang and New Jersey are sister states, and Wenzhou, another city in the province, has been a sister city with Union County for the past 19 years -- though there has been little trade between them."

## External links

[edit]

* Media related to Union County, New Jersey at Wikimedia Commons
* Changing Landscape of Union County
* Official website of Union County

Places adjacent to Union County, New Jersey

| Morris County | Essex County | Hudson County

|
|

|  |
Somerset County |

Union County, New Jersey

| Richmond County, New York
|  |
| Middlesex County |

* v
* t
* e

Raritan Valley

| Geography|

* Raritan River
* North Branch Raritan River
* South Branch Raritan River
* Millstone River
* Green Brook
* Lawrence Brook
* South River
* Raritan Bay
* Raritan Bayshore

|
|

| Central communities|

* The Amboys
* Perth Amboy
* South Amboy
* The Brunswicks
* East Brunswick
* New Brunswick
* North Brunswick
* South Brunswick
* Bedminster
* Branchburg
* Clinton
* Flemington
* Green Brook
* Matawan
* Middletown
* Millstone Borough
* Millstone Township
* The Plainfields
* Plainfield
* North Plainfield
* South Plainfield
* Raritan Borough
* Raritan Township
* South River

|

| Larger-sized communities
(over 25,000 in 2020)|

* Bernardsville
* Bridgewater
* East Windsor
* Edison
* Franklin Township
* Freehold Township
* Hillsborough
* Lawrenceville
* Manalapan
* Marlboro
* Monroe
* Mount Olive
* Old Bridge
* Piscataway
* Princeton
* Sayreville
* West Windsor
* Woodbridge

|

| Smaller-sized communities
(10,000 to 25,000 in 2020)|

* Aberdeen
* Berkeley Heights
* Bound Brook
* Clinton Township
* Freehold Borough
* Hazlet
* Highland Park
* Holmdel
* Hopewell Township
* Manville
* Metuchen
* Middlesex
* Montgomery
* Plainsboro
* Readington
* Scotch Plains
* Somerville
* Springfield
* Summit
* Warren

|

| Counties|

* Hunterdon
* Mercer
* Middlesex
* Monmouth
* Morris
* Somerset
* Union

|

History|

* Lenape
* Raritans
* Navesinks
* Colonial history of New Jersey
* Elizabethtown Tract
* Monmouth Tract
* King's Highway
* Nassau Hall
* Queen's College
* American Revolution
* Battle of Princeton
* Battle of Millstone
* Battle of Monmouth
* Village Inn
* Middlebrook encampment
* Jockey Hollow
* Rockingham
* Washington Rock
* Ross Hall
* Delaware and Raritan Canal
* Knox–Porter Resolution
* Gateway National Recreation Area
* Fort Hancock
* Sandy Hook
* Naval Weapons Station Earle
* Donald Trump's 'Summer White House' in Bedminster
* 2024 New Jersey drone sightings

* v
* t
* e

Municipalities and communities of Union County, New Jersey, United States

County seat: Elizabeth

Cities|

* Elizabeth
* Linden
* Plainfield
* Rahway
* Summit

Map of New Jersey highlighting Union County

Boroughs|

* Fanwood
* Garwood
* Kenilworth
* Mountainside
* New Providence
* Roselle
* Roselle Park

Town|

* Westfield

Townships|

* Berkeley Heights
* Clark
* Cranford
* Hillside
* Scotch Plains
* Springfield
* Union
* Winfield

CDPs|

* Connecticut Farms
* Cranford
* Kean University
* Springfield
* Union
* Vauxhall

Other
communities|

* Free Acres
* Murray Hill

* New Jersey portal
* United States portal

* v
* t
* e

State of New Jersey

Trenton (capital)

Topics|

* Index
* Geography
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Society|

* Abortion
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* Politics

Regions|

* Atlantic Coastal Plain
* Central Jersey
* Delaware River Region
* Gateway Region
* Hudson Waterfront
* Highlands
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* New Jersey Pine Barrens
* New York metro area
* North Hudson
* North Jersey
* Pascack Valley
* Philadelphia metro area
* Piedmont
* Raritan Bayshore
* Raritan Valley
* Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians
* Skylands Region
* Somerset Hills
* Southern Shore Region
* South Jersey
* Tri‑State Region
* West Essex
* West Hudson

Counties|

* Atlantic
* Bergen
* Burlington
* Camden
* Cape May
* Cumberland
* Essex
* Gloucester
* Hudson
* Hunterdon
* Mercer
* Middlesex
* Monmouth
* Morris
* Ocean
* Passaic
* Salem
* Somerset
* Sussex
* Union
* Warren

Major cities and towns|

* Atlantic City
* Bayonne
* Brick Township
* Camden
* Cherry Hill
* Clifton
* East Orange
* Edison
* Elizabeth
* Franklin Township (Somerset)
* Hackensack
* Hamilton Township (Mercer)
* Hoboken
* Jersey City
* Lakewood Township
* Newark
* New Brunswick
* Ocean City
* Paterson
* Perth Amboy
* Toms River
* Trenton
* Union City
* Vineland
* Woodbridge Township

New Jersey portal

* v
* t
* e

New York metropolitan area

Counties|

* Bergen
* Bronx
* Dutchess
* Essex
* Fairfield
* Hudson
* Hunterdon
* Kings
* Litchfield
* Mercer
* Middlesex
* Monmouth
* Monroe
* Morris
* Nassau
* New Haven
* New York
* Ocean
* Orange
* Passaic
* Pike
* Putnam
* Queens
* Richmond
* Rockland
* Somerset
* Suffolk
* Sussex
* Ulster
* Union
* Westchester

Major cities|

* New York City
* The Bronx
* Brooklyn
* Manhattan
* Queens
* Staten Island

Cities and towns
over 100,000|

* Babylon
* Bridgeport
* Brookhaven
* Edison
* Elizabeth
* Hempstead
* Huntington
* Islip
* Jersey City
* Lakewood
* New Haven
* Newark
* North Hempstead
* Oyster Bay
* Paterson
* Smithtown
* Stamford
* Waterbury
* Woodbridge
* Yonkers

Cities and towns
over 25,000|

* Bayonne
* Bergenfield
* Bernards
* Branford
* Brick
* Bridgewater
* Carmel
* Cheshire
* Clifton
* Cortlandt
* Danbury
* Eastchester
* East Brunswick
* East Haven
* East Orange
* East Windsor
* Englewood
* Ewing
* Fairfield
* Fair Lawn
* Fort Lee
* Franklin Township
* Freehold Township
* Great Neck
* Garden City
* Garfield
* Greenburgh
* Greenwich
* Hackensack
* Hamden
* Hamilton
* Hillsborough
* Hoboken
* Howell
* Jackson
* Kearny
* Lawrence
* Livingston
* Long Beach
* Long Branch
* Mahwah
* Mamaroneck
* Manalapan
* Maplewood
* Marlboro
* Meriden
* Middletown, NJ
* Middletown, NY
* Milford
* Monroe
* Montclair
* Mount Olive
* Mount Vernon
* Naugatuck
* New Brunswick
* New Milford
* New Rochelle
* Newburgh
* Newtown
* North Brunswick
* Norwalk
* Old Bridge
* Orange, NJ
* Ossining
* Palm Tree
* Paramus
* Parsippany–Troy Hills
* Passaic
* Perth Amboy
* Piscataway
* Plainfield
* Poughkeepsie
* Princeton
* Rahway
* Randolph
* Riverhead
* Rockaway Township
* Rye (town)
* Sayreville
* Shelton
* South Brunswick
* Stratford
* Teaneck
* Toms River
* Torrington
* Trenton
* Trumbull
* Union City
* Union Township
* Wall Township
* Wallingford
* Wayne
* West Haven
* West Orange
* West Windsor
* Westfield
* Westport
* White Plains
* Yorktown

Regions|

* Catskills
* Central Jersey
* Coastal Connecticut
* Greater Danbury
* Greater Newark
* Greater New Haven
* Greater Torrington
* Greater Waterbury
* Housatonic Valley
* Hudson Valley
* Hudson River
* Jersey Shore
* Litchfield Hills
* Long Island
* North Jersey
* Poconos
* Raritan Valley
* Skylands Region
* Somerset Hills
* Watchung Mountains
* Western Connecticut

See also|

* Northeast megalopolis

Authority control databases

International|

* ISNI
* VIAF
* FAST

National|

* Germany
* United States
* Israel

Geographic|

* MusicBrainz area

Other|

* Yale LUX

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*[c.]: circa
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