Union Township, Union County, New Jersey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Union Township, New Jersey
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Township
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Union Municipal Building and Library
Downtown Union
Union Municipal Building and Library
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Location of Union Township in Union County highlighted in yellow (left). Inset map: Location of Union County in New Jersey highlighted in black (right).
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Census Bureau map of Union Township, Union County, New Jersey
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 Union Township, New Jersey
Location in Union County, New Jersey
Union Township, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Union 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 | Union | ||
| Incorporated | November 23, 1808 | ||
| Government | |||
| • Type | Township | ||
| • Body | Township Committee | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 9.08 sq mi (23.52 km2) | ||
| • Land | 9.05 sq mi (23.44 km2) | ||
| • Water | 0.03 sq mi (0.08 km2) 0.35% | ||
| Area rank | 219th of 565 in state 3rd of 21 in county |
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| Elevation | 125 ft (38 m) | ||
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 59,728 | ||
| • Estimate
(2023)
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60,676 | ||
| • Rank | 28th of 565 in state 2nd of 21 in county |
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| • Density | 6,599.0/sq mi (2,547.9/km2) | ||
| • Density rank | 76th of 565 in state 9th of 21 in county |
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| Time zone | UTC−05:00 (Eastern (EST)) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−04:00 (Eastern (EDT)) | ||
| ZIP Codes |
07083: Union
07088: Vauxhall |
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| Area code(s) | 908 | ||
| FIPS code | 3403974480 | ||
| GNIS feature ID | 0882212 | ||
| Website | |||
Union Township is a community located in Union County, New Jersey. In the 1700s, this area was known as Connecticut Farms. As of the 2020 United States census, about 59,728 people live here. This number grew by over 3,000 people since the 2010 census.
Contents
History of Union Township
Union was settled in 1667. It was one of the first English-speaking communities in New Jersey, after Elizabeth and Newark.
The Battle of Connecticut Farms
Union Township was the site of an important event during the American Revolutionary War. On June 6, 1780, British soldiers, led by General Wilhelm von Knyphausen, came from Staten Island to Elizabeth, New Jersey. About 5,000 troops landed at midnight. They thought the American Continental Army would not fight much because they believed the soldiers were tired and lacked supplies. They also expected the people of New Jersey to welcome them. However, the British were wrong on both counts. They faced strong resistance and could not reach their goal of passing through the Hobart Gap.
Becoming a Township
Union Township officially became a township on November 23, 1808. This happened by a law passed by the New Jersey Legislature. It was formed from parts of Elizabeth Township. At that time, the area was still part of Essex County. Union Township later became part of the new Union County on March 19, 1857.
Over the years, some parts of Union Township were used to create other towns. These include Linden Township (1861), Roselle Park (1901), Kenilworth (1907), and Hillside (1913). In 1946, some residents wanted to change the township's name back to "Connecticut Farms." They thought this would help the area by highlighting its historical importance.
The Self-Master Colony
The Self-Master Colony was a special project to help people without homes. It was built on the Hoyt family mansion in Union Township in 1908. Andress Small Floyd and his wife Lillian started the colony, and it operated until 1938.
Geography of Union Township
Union Township is located on the northern edge of Union County. It shares borders with eight other towns. To the east is Hillside, and to the southeast is Elizabeth. Roselle Park and Kenilworth are to the south. Springfield Township is to the west. To the northwest is Millburn, to the north is Maplewood, and to the northeast is Irvington. These three towns are in Essex County.
The township covers a total area of about 9.08 square miles (23.52 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a small amount of water.
Local Communities and Neighborhoods
Several smaller communities and neighborhoods are found within Union Township. These include Battle Hill, Connecticut Farms, Galloping Hill, Headlentown, Putnam Manor, Salem, Townley, and Vauxhall.
Some specific neighborhoods are:
- Five Points: This area is where several roads meet, like Galloping Hill Road and Chestnut Street.
- Brookside Heights (Curryville): Located west of Vauxhall Road.
- Vauxhall: This part of Union is north of I-78 and west of Stuyvesant Avenue. It even has its own ZIP code (07088).
- Union Center: The main area around the intersection of Morris and Stuyvesant Avenues.
- Putnam Ridge: A section between Suburban Road, Morris Avenue, Twin Oaks Road, and Colonial Avenue.
- Putnam Manor: An older, historic section between Colonial Avenue and Salem Road.
- Orchard Park
- Parkside Manor: A small area with three roads off Union Terrace.
- Larchmont Estates: An area bordered by Larchmont Reservation and Morris Avenue.
- Battle Hill: This area is served by Battle Hill Elementary School. It is in western Union.
- Green Lane: A newer community between Kean University and Union Station.
- Fairway Drive: A community next to the Galloping Hill Golf Course.
- Rich Creek: The neighborhood of Richard Terrace.
Population and People
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1810 | 1,428 | — | |
| 1820 | 1,567 | 9.7% | |
| 1830 | 1,409 | −10.1% | |
| 1840 | 1,482 | 5.2% | |
| 1850 | 1,662 | 12.1% | |
| 1860 | 1,812 | 9.0% | |
| 1870 | 2,314 | * | 27.7% |
| 1880 | 2,418 | 4.5% | |
| 1890 | 2,846 | 17.7% | |
| 1900 | 4,315 | 51.6% | |
| 1910 | 3,419 | * | −20.8% |
| 1920 | 3,962 | * | 15.9% |
| 1930 | 16,472 | 315.7% | |
| 1940 | 24,730 | 50.1% | |
| 1950 | 38,004 | 53.7% | |
| 1960 | 51,499 | 35.5% | |
| 1970 | 53,077 | 3.1% | |
| 1980 | 50,184 | −5.5% | |
| 1990 | 50,024 | −0.3% | |
| 2000 | 54,405 | 8.8% | |
| 2010 | 56,642 | 4.1% | |
| 2020 | 59,728 | 5.4% | |
| 2023 (est.) | 60,676 | 7.1% | |
| Population sources: 1810–1920 1840 1850–1870 1850 1870 1880–1890 1890–1910 1910–1930 1940–2000 2000 2010 2020 * = Lost territory in previous decade. |
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Population Changes
The population of Union Township has grown steadily over the years. In 1810, there were about 1,428 people. By 1950, the population had grown to over 38,000. The 2020 United States census showed that 59,728 people lived in the township. This was an increase from 56,642 people in 2010.
Diversity in Union Township
Union Township is a diverse community. The population includes people from many different backgrounds. According to the 2020 census, about 32% of the population is White, and about 32% is Black or African American. About 10% of the population is Asian. People of Hispanic or Latino background make up about 19% of the population.
In 2010, there were about 19,556 households in Union Township. About 31.6% of these households had children under 18. The average household had 2.82 people. The median age in the township was 39.6 years.
Education in Union Township
The Union Public School District provides education for students from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade.
Schools in the District
The district has several schools:
- Battle Hill Elementary School (PreK-4)
- Hannah Caldwell Elementary School (PreK-4)
- Connecticut Farms Elementary School (PreK-4)
- Franklin Elementary School (PreK-4)
- Livingston Elementary School (PreK-4)
- Washington Elementary School (PreK-4)
- Jefferson Elementary School (grade 5)
- Burnet Middle School (grades 6–8)
- Kawameeh Middle School (grades 6–8)
- Union High School (grades 9–12)
Changes to Jefferson Elementary
Years ago, Union faced a challenge with school segregation. Jefferson Elementary School, located in the Vauxhall area, had mostly Black students. To address this, Union changed Jefferson Elementary into a school only for sixth graders, called Central 6. Students from Jefferson were then bused to other elementary schools. Later, it became Central 5 and is now Jefferson School, which serves as a one-year school for fifth-grade students.
Private Schools and University
Union also has private nursery schools. The Deron School is a private school for students aged 5–13 who have learning disabilities. St. Michael's Parish School and Holy Spirit School are Catholic schools.
Kean University is a large university in Union. It was founded in 1855. The school moved to Union in 1958 and became Kean College in 1973. In 1997, it was granted university status. Today, almost 16,000 students attend Kean University.
Transportation in Union Township
_from_the_overpass_for_the_ramp_to_New_Jersey_State_Route_444_(Garden_State_Parkway)_in_Union_Township,_Union_County,_New_Jersey.jpg)
Major Roads
Union Township has many roads. Important highways that pass through Union include the Garden State Parkway, Interstate 78, U.S. Route 22, and Route 82 (Morris Avenue).
The Garden State Parkway connects Kenilworth in the south to Hillside in the north. It has several exits in Union, including for Chestnut Street, Route 82, and Vauxhall Road.
Public Transportation Options
NJ Transit offers train service at the Union train station. This station is on the Raritan Valley Line and provides service to Newark Penn Station. The station opened in 2003 and has a large parking lot.
NJ Transit also provides bus service. You can take buses to New York City (like routes 113, 114, and 117 to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan). There are also buses to Newark (routes 65, 66, 70, and 94) and local bus services (routes 26 and 52).
The former Rahway Valley Railroad freight line, which is no longer used, runs through Union. There are plans to bring this line back to life. It would connect to NJ Transit's Morris and Essex Lines at Summit and to Staten Island.
Newark Liberty International Airport is only about 6 miles (10 km) east of Union, making travel easy.
Notable Buildings and Landmarks
Union Township is home to several interesting buildings and landmarks.
- The Union Watersphere is a famous landmark. For many years, it was the tallest water tower of its kind in the world. It stands 212 feet tall and can hold 250,000 gallons of drinking water. Today, it is also used as a cell phone tower. This landmark inspired a former Union resident to create a website and even a museum dedicated to it in Austin, Texas.
- Union has several houses built entirely from poured concrete. These were part of an experiment by Thomas Edison. The homes on Ingersoll Terrace even have concrete interior walls and plumbing.
- A unique building in the shape of a ship is located at 2262 U.S. Route 22. It started as a restaurant and nightclub. Over the years, it became a furniture store called "The Flagship" and later an electronics store. It is now a P. C. Richard & Son store.
- Union is home to a very large The Home Depot Superstore. In 2012, at 217,000 square feet, it was the biggest Home Depot store in the world.
- The Connecticut Farms Presbyterian Church is a historic church dating back to 1730. It was the first church in New Jersey to be listed as a Historic Place.
Notable People from Union Township
Many interesting people have lived in or are connected to Union Township. Here are a few:
- Aminat Ayinde: A model who was the second runner-up on Cycle 12.
- C. Louis Bassano (born 1942): A politician who served in the New Jersey General Assembly and the New Jersey Senate.
- Isaiah Briscoe (born 1996): A basketball player for the Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball team.
- Freddie 'Red' Cochrane (1915–1993): A professional boxer who became a World Champion in 1941.
- Tim Coleman (born 1995): A professional basketball player.
- Joe Collins (1922–1989): A first baseman for the New York Yankees. A park on Liberty Avenue is named after him.
- Tom Coyne (1954–2017): A famous mastering engineer for music.
- Jonathan Townley Crane (1819–1880): A clergyman, author, and abolitionist.
- Joseph Cryan (born 1961): Represents the 20th legislative district in the New Jersey General Assembly.
- Quenton DeCosey (born 1994): A professional basketball player.
- Jamie Fox (1954–2017): A political strategist.
- Gina Genovese (born 1959): A businesswoman and politician who served as mayor of Long Hill Township.
- Kayla Hoffman (born 1988): An artistic gymnast.
- Mildred Barry Hughes (1902–1995): The first woman elected to the New Jersey Senate in 1965.
- Davison Igbinosun (born 2004): An American football cornerback for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
- Ron Karkovice (born 1963): A Major League baseball catcher.
- John Kean (1814–1895): A businessman and public official.
- Amalya Lyle Kearse (born 1937): A judge for the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.
- Myra Smith Kearse (1899–1982): A physician and community leader.
- Larry Kubin (born 1959): A linebacker who played for the Washington Redskins.
- Kelly Kulick (born 1977): A professional bowler who was the first woman to win a regular Professional Bowlers Association tour title.
- Artie Lange (born 1967): A comedian, actor, and former sidekick on The Howard Stern Show.
- Ray Liotta (1954–2022): A well-known actor.
- Ed Lucas (1939–2021): A blind sportswriter who mainly covered the New York Yankees.
- Elliott Maddox (born 1947): A professional baseball player for the New York Yankees and New York Mets.
- Conde McGinley (born 1890): A publisher.
- Bob Mischak (1932–2014): An American football guard and tight end.
- Eulace Peacock (1914–1996): A track and field athlete who competed against Jesse Owens.
- Matthew John Rinaldo (1931–2008): Represented New Jersey in the United States House of Representatives for twenty years.
- Tyler Roberson (born 1994): A professional basketball player.
- Lawrence E. Roberts (1922–2004): A pilot with the Tuskegee Airmen and a colonel in the United States Air Force.
- Philip Rubin (born 1949): A cognitive scientist and technologist.
- Anthony E. Russo (born 1926): A former member of the New Jersey Senate and Mayor of Union.
- Karl Schellscheidt (born 1968): A soccer player, educator, and entrepreneur.
- Manfred Schellscheidt (born 1941): A German-American soccer coach and former player. He is in the National Soccer Hall of Fame.
- Amy Simon (born 1971): A planetary scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center.
- Darnell Stapleton (born 1985): A former offensive guard for the Pittsburgh Steelers who won Super Bowl XLIII.
- Travis Taylor (born 1990): A professional basketball player.
- Bill Wenzel (1918–1987): A cartoonist known for his "good girl art."
- Robert Wuhl (born 1951): An actor.
- Darren Young (born 1983): A professional wrestler formerly known as one half of The Prime Time Players.
See also
In Spanish: Municipio de Union (condado de Union, Nueva Jersey) para niños
