Union County, New Jersey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Union County
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Downtown Westfield in July 2005
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Location within the U.S. state of New Jersey
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 New Jersey's location within the U.S. |
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| Country |  United States |
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| State |  New Jersey |
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| Founded | 1857 | ||
| Named for | Union threatened by slavery dispute | ||
| Seat | Elizabeth | ||
| Largest city | Elizabeth (population and area) | ||
| Area | |||
| • 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)
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| • Total | 575,345 | ||
| • Estimate
(2024)
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594,160  |
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| • Density | 5,458.16/sq mi (2,107.41/km2) | ||
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) | ||
| Congressional districts | 7th, 8th, 10th, 12th | ||
Union County is a county located in the northern part of New Jersey. It is one of the most populated counties in the state. In 2020, about 575,345 people lived here. This was the highest number of people ever counted in the county!
The main city and county seat is Elizabeth. It is also the largest city in Union County, both in population and size. Union County is a place where the central and northern parts of New Jersey meet.
In 2015, the average income per person in Union County was about $60,089. This was one of the highest in New Jersey. Union County is also one of the most crowded counties in the United States.
Contents
History of Union County
Why is it called Union County?
Union County was created in 1857. It was the last county to be formed in New Jersey. It got its name from the idea of "Union." This name was chosen because of big disagreements happening in the country at that time, which later led to the Civil War in 1861.
Early Days and Important Places
The land that is now Union County was bought in 1664. English settlers bought it from the Lenape Native Americans. These Native Americans lived in the area where Elizabeth is today.
Union County has many historic places. Some of these are listed on the National Register of Historic Places listings in Union County, New Jersey. Every fall, Union County hosts a "Four Centuries in a Weekend" event. During this festival, people can visit and learn about historic buildings, museums, and sites.
Geography and Nature
Union County covers about 105 square miles. Most of this area is land, with a small part being water.
The land in Union County is mostly flat and low. However, in the northwestern part, you can find the Watchung Mountains. The highest points in the county are in Berkeley Heights, reaching about 560 feet above sea level. The lowest point is at sea level along the eastern shore, near the Arthur Kill.
Rivers, Lakes, and Streams
Union County has several important waterways:
- Arthur Kill
- Rahway River
- Elizabeth River
- Nomahegan Brook
- Marshes Creek
- Morses Creek
- Peach Orchard Brook
- Robinson's Brook
- Robinson's Branch Reservoir
Weather and Climate
| Weather chart for Elizabeth, New Jersey | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| temperatures in °F precipitation totals in inches source: The Weather Channel |
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Metric conversion
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In Elizabeth, the county seat, temperatures usually range from about 24°F in January to 86°F in July. The coldest temperature ever recorded was -14°F in February 1934. The hottest was 105°F in July 1993. The county gets a good amount of rain throughout the year.
People of Union County
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 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 | 10.7% | |
| Historical sources: 1790–1990 1970–2010 2000 2010 2000–2010 2010-2020 |
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Union County is home to people from many different backgrounds. For example, many Italian American residents live in towns like Berkeley Heights, Clark, and Westfield. There are also large African American communities in Elizabeth, Plainfield, and Rahway.
Towns like Roselle Park, Linden, and Elizabeth have growing Hispanic and Portuguese populations. The county also has a significant Jewish population, with communities in Cranford, Elizabeth, and Springfield.
Population Changes (2020 Census)
| Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 2000 | Pop. 2010 | Pop. 2020 | % 2000 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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% |
Population Changes (2010 Census)
In 2010, Union County had 536,499 people. About 24.5% of the population was under 18 years old. The average age was 38 years.
How Union County is Governed
County Government Leaders
Union County is managed by a group of nine people called the Board of County Commissioners. These commissioners are chosen by voters from across the county. They serve for three years, with some seats up for election each year.
The commissioners make the rules and decisions for the county. They create the budget and decide how money is spent. A County Manager, Edward Oatman, helps run the daily operations of the county departments.
At the start of each year, the commissioners choose a Chair and Vice Chair from their group. As of 2025, the County Commissioners are:
| Commissioner | Party, residence, term |
|---|---|
| Chair Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded | D, Westfield, 2027 |
| Vice Chair Lourdes M. Leon | D, Elizabeth, 2026 |
| James E. Baker Jr. | D, Rahway, 2027 |
| Joseph Bodek | D, Linden, 2026 |
| Michele Delisfort | D, Union Township, 2026 |
| Sergio Granados | D, Elizabeth, 2025 |
| Bette Jane Kowalski | D, Cranford, 2025 |
| Alexander Mirabella | D, Fanwood, 2027 |
| Rebecca Williams | D, Plainfield, 2025 |
Other important elected officials for the county include:
| Office | Party, residence, term |
|---|---|
| County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi | D, Westfield, 2025 |
| Sheriff Peter Corvelli | D, Kenilworth, 2026 |
| Surrogate Christopher E. Hudak | D, Clark, 2027 |
The New Jersey Superior Court for Union County is located in Elizabeth. Law enforcement in the county includes the Union County Police Department, the Union County Sheriff's Office, and the Union County Prosecutor's Office.
Recent County Government News
In 2023, Union County decided to honor a historic site in North Jersey. This site was where three enslaved New Jerseyans were publicly executed in 1741. Also in 2023, the county worked to change its official logo. The old logo showed a woman, Hannah Caldwell, being shot during the Battle of Connecticut Farms. The county asked residents to help choose a new logo that does not show this scene.
Law Enforcement in Union County
The Union County Sheriff's Office is in Elizabeth. It is led by Sheriff Peter Corvelli. This office also manages the Union County Jail.
The Union County Police Department works separately from the Sheriff's office. It started as the Union County Park Police. Their job is to patrol county properties and help local towns when needed. Martin Mogensen has been the Chief of Police since February 2023. The County Police also run the Union County Regional 911 and Dispatch center.
Politics in Union County
Union County tends to vote for the Democratic Party. In the 2020 election, Joe Biden, a Democrat, received the most votes ever for a Democrat in the county. As of October 2021, most registered voters in Union County were Democrats.
Presidential Election Results
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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% |
| 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 in Union County
Colleges and Universities
- Kean University: This is a public university in Union and Hillside. It has about 13,000 students and is known for its programs in arts, sciences, and education. It trains many teachers in New Jersey.
- Union College: This is a two-year community college for Union County. It has campuses in Cranford, Elizabeth, Plainfield, and Scotch Plains.
School Districts
Most towns in Union County have their own public high schools. Some towns send their students to high schools in nearby towns:
- Garwood students go to Arthur L. Johnson High School in Clark.
- Winfield students go to David Brearley High School in Kenilworth.
- Mountainside students go to Governor Livingston High School in Berkeley Heights.
- Fanwood and Scotch Plains share one high school.
Here are the school districts in the county:
- K-12 (Kindergarten to 12th Grade)
- 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 (Kindergarten to 8th Grade)
- Garwood Public Schools
- Mountainside School District
- Winfield Township School District
Union County also has Union County Vocational Technical Schools. These schools offer special programs for students who want to learn specific job skills.
Economy and Jobs
In 2021, the total value of goods and services produced in Union County was about $34.4 billion. This shows how much economic activity happens here.
Some of the biggest employers in Union County in 2011 included:
| # | 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
Union County has many ways to get around, including roads, trains, and even an airport.
Roads and Highways
_between_Exit_132_and_Exit_135,_entering_Clark_Township,_Union_County_from_Woodbridge_Township,_Middlesex_County_in_New_Jersey.jpg)
The county has over 1,400 miles of roads. Major highways that go through Union County include:
- New Jersey Turnpike (I-95)
- Garden State Parkway
- I-78
- I-278
- Route 1/9
- Route 22
- Route 24
- Route 27
- Route 28
- Route 35 (in Rahway)
- Route 82
- Route 124
- Route 439
- Goethals Bridge
Did you know? Route 59, which is only in Union County, is the shortest state highway in New Jersey, at just 0.15 miles long!
Public Transportation
- Trains: NJ Transit provides train service on several lines, connecting Union County to other parts of New Jersey and New York City.
- Buses: NJ Transit also offers bus service to Midtown Manhattan and other cities in New Jersey.
- Ports: The Port Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal is a large port that handles a lot of shipping.
- Airport: The southern part of Newark Liberty International Airport is located in Elizabeth, within Union County.
Future Walking and Biking Trails
There are plans to turn old railroad tracks into walking and biking trails, called "rail trails." These trails could connect different parks and towns. One idea is the Summit Park Line, which could run from Summit to Briant Park. Another idea is a trail along the old Rahway Valley Railroad from Summit to Roselle Park.
Towns and Cities in Union County
Union County has 21 different towns and cities. Here is a list of them:
| Municipality (with map key) |
Map key | Municipal type |
Population | Housing units |
Total area |
Water area |
Land area |
Pop. density |
Housing density |
School district | Communities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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) |
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| 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) |
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| 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) |
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| Union County | county | 575,345 | 199,489 | 105.40 | 2.55 | 102.85 | 5,216.1 | 1,939.5 |
Parks and Fun Things to Do
The Union County Department of Parks and Recreation takes care of many parks for everyone to enjoy.
County Parks
- Ash Brook Reservation, Scotch Plains
- Black Brook Park, Kenilworth
- Briant Park, Summit
- Brookside Park, Scotch Plains
- Cedar Brook Park, Plainfield (home to the Shakespeare Garden)
- Echo Lake Park, Westfield and Mountainside (This park was donated by a country club. The lake's name comes from the echo you can hear there.)
- Elizabeth River Parkway
- Esposito Park, Clark (It has a path with exercise equipment and a skate park.)
- Green Brook Park, Plainfield (partial)
- Hidden Valley Park, Springfield and Summit
- Kawameeh Park, Union
- Lenape Park, Cranford, Westfield, and Kenilworth (In the 1930s, mastodon bones were found here!)
- Madison Avenue Park, Rahway
- Clark Reservoir Recreation Area
- Mattano Park, Elizabeth (Named after a Lenape leader. The Elizabethtown Associates bought land from him and another leader named Warinanco in 1664.)
- McConnell Park, Cranford (Named after Cranford's first town doctor.)
- Milton Lake Park, Clark and Rahway
- Mindowaskin Park, Westfield
- Nomahegan Park, Cranford (It has Nomahegan Park Pond and surrounds the Rahway River.)
- Oak Ridge Park, Clark
- Passaic River Parkway, Berkeley Heights, New Providence, and Summit
- Phil Rizzuto Park, Elizabeth
- Ponderosa Farm Park, Scotch Plains
- Rahway River Park, Rahway
- 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 after a Native American leader. It was designed by the famous Olmsted Brothers firm.)
- Wheeler Park, Linden
Other Cool Parks
- Hawk Rise Sanctuary: This is a bird sanctuary in Linden. It opened in 2012 and has trails, wetlands, and different environments where 163 types of birds have been seen!
- Reeves-Reed Arboretum in Summit.
- Kennedy Reservation in Union.
- The grounds of Liberty Hall Museum near Kean University in Union and Elizabeth.
River Parkways
- Rahway River Parkway: This is a green area of parks along the Rahway River. It was the first project of the Union County Parks Commission, designed in the 1920s.
- Elizabeth River Parkway: This is another green area along the Elizabeth River. It goes through Kean University and Liberty Hall Museum.
Public Golf Courses
Union County has two public golf courses where you can take lessons and practice:
- Ash Brook Golf Course in Scotch Plains.
- Galloping Hill Golf Course and Golf Learning Center in Kenilworth. This course hosted a big golf tournament in 2016.
A Special Golf Course
- Shady Rest Country Club in Scotch Plains is very important. It was the first golf clubhouse in the United States owned and run by African Americans. John Matthew Shippen, Jr., the first African-American golf professional to play in the U.S. Open, played here. The club is now called 'Scotch Hills Country Club' and is open to everyone. It is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.
Other Fun Places
- Clark Community Pool
- Centennial Avenue Pool in Cranford
- Oak Ridge Archery Range
- Orange Avenue Pool in Cranford
- Trailside Nature and Science Center at Watchung Reservation
- Warinanco Ice Skating Rink
- Westfield Memorial Pool
- Spray Pool – Wheeler Park (Linden)
- County Pool – Rahway River Park (Rahway)
Arts and Culture
Union County has many places for arts and culture:
- The Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway offers music and theater shows.
- Kean Stage at Kean University hosts professional performing arts events.
- The Cranford Dramatic Club is New Jersey's oldest theater group, performing since 1919.
- The Tomasulo Art Gallery is at Union County College in Cranford.
- The Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts in Berkeley Heights and New Providence teaches music and performing arts, especially to children.
- The Plainfield Symphony Orchestra started in 1919 and is the oldest community orchestra in the state.
- The duCret School of Art in Plainfield was founded in 1926.
- The Swain Gallery in Plainfield, founded in 1868, is the oldest privately owned art gallery in New Jersey.
Historical Societies
The Union County Historical Society of New Jersey was started in 1869. Many towns also have their own historical societies:
- Berkeley Heights Historical Society
- Clark Historical Society (runs the Dr. William Robinson Plantation House Museum, built in 1690)
- Cranford Historical Society (maintains the Crane-Phillips House as a museum)
- Garwood Historical Committee
- Hillside Historical Society (meets at the Woodruff House)
- Kenilworth Historical Society (runs the Oswald J. Nitschke House)
- Linden Society for Historical Preservation
- Mountainside Restoration Committee, Inc.
- Plainfield Historical Society (headquartered at the Nathaniel Drake House Museum, built in 1746)
- Rahway Historical Society (now called the Merchants' and Drovers' Tavern Museum Association)
- Scotch Plains-Fanwood Historical Society (runs the Osborn Cannonball House)
- Springfield Historical Society (home is the Historic Cannon Ball House)
- Westfield Historical Society (in the Reeve History & Cultural Resource Center and runs the Miller-Cory House Museum)
- Union Township Historical Society (located in the 1782 historic Caldwell Parsonage)
Other Groups for History
- Friends of Rahway River Parkway works to protect the parks along the Rahway River.
Sister City
Union County has a special "sister city" relationship with Wenzhou in China.
Images for kids
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Downtown Westfield in July 2005
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Flag of Union County, New Jersey
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Seal of Union County, New Jersey
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The Union County Courthouse prior to 1900
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Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth, New Jersey
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Union County Sheriff's Office
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Union County Sheriff's Office - Division of Corrections
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Union County Park Police
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Garden State Parkway northbound entering Union County
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Index map of Union County municipalities
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Warinanco Park in Roselle, New Jersey
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Shakespeare Garden at Cedar Brook Park, Plainfield
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Mattano Park
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Nomahegan Pond near Union County College in Cranford, New Jersey
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Galloping Hill Golf Course in November 2022
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Deserted Village of Feltville
See also
In Spanish: Condado de Union (Nueva Jersey) para niños
