Fairfield Township, Essex County, New Jersey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fairfield Township, New Jersey
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Township
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Aerial view of Fairfield in Essex County
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Location of Fairfield Township in Essex County highlighted in red (right). Inset map: Location of Essex County in New Jersey highlighted in orange (left).
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Census Bureau map of Fairfield Township, Essex County, New Jersey
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 Fairfield Township, New Jersey
Location in Essex County, New Jersey
Fairfield Township, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Fairfield Township, New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
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| State |  New Jersey |
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| County | Essex | |
| Incorporated | February 16, 1798 (as Caldwell Township) | |
| Renamed | November 6, 1963 (as Fairfield Township) | |
| Government | ||
| • Type | Faulkner Act Small Municipality | |
| • Body | Township Council | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 10.35 sq mi (26.80 km2) | |
| • Land | 10.13 sq mi (26.23 km2) | |
| • Water | 0.22 sq mi (0.57 km2) 2.14% | |
| Area rank | 207th of 565 in state 4th of 22 in county |
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| Elevation | 174 ft (53 m) | |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 7,872 | |
| • Estimate
(2023)
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7,941 | |
| • Rank | 296th of 565 in state 18th of 22 in county |
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| • Density | 777.3/sq mi (300.1/km2) | |
| • Density rank | 410th of 565 in state 22nd of 22 in county |
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| Time zone | UTC−05:00 (Eastern (EST)) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−04:00 (Eastern (EDT)) | |
| ZIP Code |
07004
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| Area code(s) | 973 | |
| FIPS code | 3401322385 | |
| GNIS feature ID | 1729722 | |
Fairfield is a township located in the northwest part of Essex County, in the state of New Jersey. In 2020, about 7,872 people lived here. Fairfield is known for being the least crowded town in Essex County.
The first Europeans to settle in this area were the Dutch. They called the place "Gansegat." Later, it became part of a larger area known as Horse Neck. On February 16, 1798, what is now Fairfield was officially formed as Caldwell Township. It was named after Rev. James Caldwell. The township was renamed Fairfield Township on November 6, 1963, after people voted for the change.
Contents
Fairfield's Early History
The Dutch were the first Europeans to settle in the Passaic River Valley. They bought the land from the Native Americans. The Dutch named this area "Gansegat," which means "duck's pond" in Dutch.
The Horseneck Tract and Riots
The Horseneck Tract was a large area of about 18,000 acres. This area included what are now Fairfield, Caldwell, West Caldwell, North Caldwell, Verona, Cedar Grove, Essex Fells, Roseland, and parts of Livingston and West Orange.
In 1702, English settlers bought 14,000 acres of the Horseneck Tract. They bought it from the Lenape Native Americans for goods worth about $325. However, they did not get approval from the official authorities. When the authorities tried to remove the settlers, the Horseneck Riots happened.
Historic Buildings in Fairfield
Fairfield has some very old buildings. The Van Ness House was built around 1720. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. The Fairfield Dutch Reformed Church also dates back to 1720. Its current building, built in 1804, is another important historic site.
Fairfield's Location and Landscape
Fairfield Township covers about 10.35 square miles (26.80 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a small part being water. Fairfield has the lowest population density in all of Essex County. This means it's the least crowded town there.
Major Roads and Local Areas
Fairfield Township is located in the northwest corner of Essex County. Important highways like U.S. Route 46, Route 159, and Interstate 80 all pass through the township.
Some smaller communities and places within Fairfield include Clinton and Clinton Park. A large swamp called Great Piece Meadows covers about 1,170 acres in the area.
Neighboring Towns
Fairfield Township shares its borders with several other towns. In Essex County, it borders North Caldwell and West Caldwell. In Morris County, it borders East Hanover Township, Lincoln Park, and Montville. In Passaic County, it borders Little Falls and Wayne.
Fairfield's People and Population Changes
In 2020, Fairfield Township had a population of 7,872 people. This was a small increase from the 7,466 people counted in 2010. The population has been slowly growing over the years.
Most people in Fairfield are White. There are also growing numbers of Asian and Hispanic or Latino residents. In 2010, about 22.6% of the population was under 18 years old. The average age in Fairfield was 44.5 years.
Fairfield's Economy and Businesses
Fairfield Township is home to several businesses and companies. These companies provide jobs and help the local economy.
Some notable companies that have been in Fairfield include:
- Bradley Pharmaceuticals: A company that made medicines. It was based here until 2008.
- Cricket Hill: A local brewery that makes different types of beer.
- Telebrands: A marketing company famous for its "As Seen on TV" products.
Education in Fairfield Township
Students in Fairfield Township attend public schools managed by two different school districts.
Fairfield School District
The Fairfield School District serves younger students from pre-kindergarten up to sixth grade. The district has two schools:
- Adlai E. Stevenson Elementary School: For students in pre-Kindergarten through third grade.
- Winston S. Churchill School: For students in fourth through sixth grade.
West Essex Regional School District
Students in seventh through twelfth grade attend schools in the West Essex Regional School District. This district also serves students from Essex Fells, North Caldwell, and Roseland. The schools in this district are:
- West Essex Middle School: For students in grades 7-8.
- West Essex High School: For students in grades 9-12.
Fairfield has three seats on the nine-member school board for the high school district.
Career Training
StenoTech Career Institute is a technical school located in Fairfield. It was started in 1988 and teaches students skills like court reporting and medical transcription.
Transportation in Fairfield
Fairfield Township has a good network of roads and public transportation options.
Roads and Highways
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Many major roads pass through Fairfield. These include U.S. Route 46, Route 159, and Interstate 80. These roads help people travel easily within and outside the township.
Public Transportation Options
NJ Transit provides bus service from Fairfield to Newark on its 29 and 71 routes. Lakeland Bus Lines also offers bus service to and from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan.
Essex County Airport
Essex County Airport is located in Fairfield. It is managed by the Essex County Improvement Authority.
Notable People from Fairfield
Many interesting people have lived in or are connected to Fairfield Township.
- Robert Egan (born 1958), a restaurateur who has worked as a go-between for the governments of North Korea and the United States.
- David Greczek (born 1994), a professional soccer player who plays as a goalkeeper.
- Gurbir Grewal (born 1973), who served as the Attorney General of New Jersey.
- John LoCascio (born 1991), a defenseman who played lacrosse professionally.
- James F. Post (1818–1899), an architect and builder known for his work in Wilmington, North Carolina.
- Jake Siciliano (born 1998), an actor.
- Michelle Vizzuso (born 1977), a field hockey player recognized as one of the sport's best athletes of the 20th century.
