Union County, New Jersey

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.

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.Snyder, John P. [https://www.state.nj.us/dep/njgs/enviroed/oldpubs/bulletin67.pdf#page=220 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.

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.[http://www.nj.gov/dep/hpo/1identify/nrsr_lists/Union.pdf New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places - Union County] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141016010040/http://www.nj.gov/dep/hpo/1identify/nrsr_lists/union.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016062715/http://www.nj.gov/dep/hpo/1identify/nrsr_lists/union.pdf |archive-date=October 16, 2012 |url-status=live |date=October 16, 2014 }}, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Historic Preservation Office, updated November 28, 2016. Accessed December 21, 2016.

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.Staff. [http://www.nj.com/suburbannews/index.ssf/2015/10/four_centuries_in_a_weekend_pr.html "'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.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as of the 2020 Census, the county had a total area of {{convert|105.41|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|102.77|sqmi}} was land (97.5%) and {{convert|2.64|sqmi}} was water (2.5%).[https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2020_Gazetteer/2020_gaz_counties_34.txt 2020 Census Gazetteer File for Counties in New Jersey], United States Census Bureau. Accessed April 1, 2023.

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 {{convert|560|ft}} above sea level, are found in Berkeley Heights.[http://www.peakbagger.com/list.aspx?lid=13320 New Jersey County High Points], Peakbagger.com. Accessed October 5, 2013. The lowest elevation is sea level along the eastern shore at the Arthur Kill.

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

{{climate chart

|Elizabeth, New Jersey

|24|39|3.5

|27|42|2.9

|34|51|4.1

|44|62|4.2

|53|72|4.0

|63|82|4.0

|69|86|4.7

|68|84|3.7

|60|77|3.8

|48|65|3.6

|39|55|3.6

|30|44|3.8

|float=right

|units=imperial

|clear=both

|source=The Weather Channel[http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/USNJ0134 Monthly Averages for Elizabeth, New Jersey], The Weather Channel. Accessed October 13, 2012.}}

In recent years,{{when|date=July 2013}} average temperatures in the county seat of Elizabeth have ranged from a low of {{convert|24|F}} in January to a high of {{convert|86|F}} in July, although a record low of {{convert|-14|F}} was recorded in February 1934 and a record high of {{convert|105|F}} was recorded in July 1993. Average monthly precipitation ranged from {{convert|2.99|in}} in February to {{convert|4.76|in}} in July. 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. [https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/]

{{US Census population

|1860= 27780

|1870= 41859

|1880= 55571

|1890= 72467

|1900= 99353

|1910=140197

|1920=200157

|1930=305209

|1940=328344

|1950=398138

|1960=504255

|1970=543116

|1980=504094

|1990=493819

|2000=522541

|2010=536499

|2020=575345

| estyear=2024

| estimate=594160

| estref=[https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/tables/2020-2024/counties/totals/co-est2023-pop-34.xlsx 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.

|footnote=Historical sources: 1790–1990Forstall, Richard L. [https://books.google.com/books?id=sezaSI_LPA8C&pg=PA108 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.
1970–2010[https://www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/cph-2-32.pdf#page=32 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. 2000[https://archive.today/20200212083029/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/00_SF1/DP1/0500000US34039 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.
2010[https://archive.today/20200212092732/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/0500000US34039 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. 2000–2010[https://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/2010_census/cb11-cn15.html U.S. Census Bureau Delivers New Jersey's 2010 Census Population Totals], United States Census Bureau, February 3, 2011. Accessed February 5, 2011. 2010-2020[https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/unioncountynewjersey QuickFacts Union County, New Jersey; New Jersey], United States Census Bureau. Accessed March 26, 2025.[https://www.nj.gov/labor/labormarketinformation/assets/PDFs/census/2020/2020%20pl94%20Tables/2020_Mun/MCD%200_All.pdf Total Population: Census 2010 - Census 2020 New Jersey Municipalities], New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Accessed December 1, 2022.

}}

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|date=October 2018}}

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.[http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/judaica/ejud_0002_0020_0_20199.html 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."

The 2010 United States census counted 536,499 people, 188,118 households, and 134,692 families in the county. The population density was {{convert|5,216.1|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 199,489 housing units at an average density of {{convert|1,939.5|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. 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.

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.

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.

File:The Union County Courthouse prior to 1900.jpg File:File-UnionCoCourtHouse.JPG 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.[http://ucnj.org/county-manager/ Office of the County Manager], Union County, New Jersey. Accessed October 21, 2018. 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.Gallo Jr., Bill. [http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2016/03/how_much_your_county_freeholders_others_in_nj_earn.html "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" The County Manager is Edward Oatman.[https://ucnj.org/county-manager/ County Manager], Union County, New Jersey. Accessed May 20, 2022. 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.[http://ucnj.org/ Home Page], Union County, New Jersey. Accessed May 20, 2022. {{As of|2025}}, Union County's County Commissioners are (with terms for Chair and Vice-Chair ending every December 31):[https://ucnj.org/commissioners/Commissioners], Union County, New Jersey. Accessed December 7, 2022.[https://ucnj.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/2022-Budget-Adoption-State-Format.pdf#page=4 2022 County Data Sheet], Union County, New Jersey. Accessed May 20, 2022.

Constitutional officers elected on a countywide basis are:

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.[https://www.judiciary.state.nj.us/courts/vicinages/union.html Union Vicinage], New Jersey Courts. Accessed October 23, 2017. 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.[http://ucnj.org/prosecutor/about-us/meet-the-acting-prosecutor-michael-a-monahan/ Meet the Acting Prosecutor Michael A. Monahan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928040516/http://ucnj.org/prosecutor/about-us/meet-the-acting-prosecutor-michael-a-monahan/ |date=September 28, 2018 }}, 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."

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.Crowley-Hughes, Andrea. [https://www.tapinto.net/towns/westfield/sections/union-county-news/articles/activist-asks-union-county-to-memorialize-black-people-burned-at-stake-in-1741 "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." 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.Hutchins, Ryan. [https://www.nj.com/news/2011/07/union_county_seals_portrayal_o.html "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."Seal of Union County, NJ 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.Kudisch, Brianna. [https://www.nj.com/news/2023/03/county-seal-depicting-womans-murder-is-out-as-nj-officials-unveil-2-options-for-redesign.html "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." 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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tapinto.net/towns/westfield/sections/union-county-news/articles/union-county-responds-to-hateful-comments-on-pride-event-facebook-post|title=Union County Responds to Hateful Comments on Pride Event Facebook Post|website=TAPinto}}{{Cite web|url=https://patch.com/new-jersey/cranford/hate-comments-union-co-pride-post-prompt-county-response|title=Hate Comments On Union Co. Pride Post Prompt County Response|date=June 27, 2022|website=Cranford, NJ Patch}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.goleader.com/4978/|title=Inclusive Park Sparks Debate Over Acceptance, Free Speech|date=June 29, 2022}} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nj.com/politics/2021/12/an-inside-game.html|title=Was politics in play when public bidding laws were cast aside for a $123.8M project?|first=Ted Sherman | NJ Advance Media for|last=NJ.com|date=December 12, 2021|website=nj}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.tapinto.net/towns/westfield/sections/union-county-news/articles/after-latest-setback-in-court-union-county-may-seek-alternative-to-build-its-complex|title=After Latest Setback in Court, Union County May Seek 'Alternative' to Build its Complex|website=TAPinto}}

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.{{Cite web|url=https://reason.com/volokh/2015/01/09/the-government-as-trademark-tr/|title=The government as trademark troll: Union County (N.J.) hit with $40K bill in First Amendment case|date=January 9, 2015 }} In 2011, an investigation found mismanagement of county funds in association with MusicFest, a free annual concert.{{cite web |title=Union County MusicFest organizers lost track of concert money |url=https://www.nj.com/news/2011/08/union_county_musicfest_organiz.html |website=NJ.com |date=August 26, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329151714/https://www.nj.com/news/2011/08/union_county_musicfest_organiz.html |archive-date=March 29, 2023 |url-status=live |last1=Hutchins |first1=Ryan}} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nj.com/news/2009/08/union_county_freeholders_will.html|title=Union County freeholders will publicly apologize to man who questioned county hiring practices|first=Michael Rispoli/The|last=Star-Ledger|date=August 20, 2009|website=nj}}

Four Congressional Districts cover the county, including portions of the 7th, 8th, 10th and 12th districts.[http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/leg-cong-district-info/2012-congressional-districts-by-county.pdf 2012 Congressional Districts by County], New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections. Accessed October 2, 2013.[http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/2012-congressional-districts/njcd-2011-plan-components-county-mcd.pdf Plan Components Report], New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 23, 2011. Accessed October 2, 2013. {{NJ Congress 07}} {{NJ Congress 08}} {{NJ Congress 10}} {{NJ Congress 12}}

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

File:Union County Sheriff's Office 2021.png

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.Haydon, Tom. [http://www.nj.com/union/index.ssf/2014/07/ralph_froehlich_longest-serving_sheriff_in_nj_history_was_told_in_1970s_hed_never_win_re-election.html "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." 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.Parisi, Albert J. [https://www.nytimes.com/1981/08/23/nyregion/suicide-sparks-union-county-jail-inquiry.html?&pagewanted=all "Suicide Sparks Union County Jail Inquiry"], The New York Times, August 23, 1981. Accessed October 2, 2013.

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).

File:Union County Sheriff's Office DOC 2021.png

File:Ucpp.jpg

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.[https://ucnj.org/public-safety/division-of-police/ Division of Police], Union County, New Jersey. Accessed July 3, 2023. Martin H. Mogensen, Chief of Police" Martin Mogensen has been the Chief of Police since February 2023.Crowley-Hughes, Andrea. [https://www.tapinto.net/towns/westfield/sections/union-county-news/articles/union-county-police-chief-retires-with-pension-amid-internal-affairs-probe "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."

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.{{cite web |title=Union County Division of Police |url=https://ucnj.org/public-safety/division-of-police/ |website=Union County, New Jersey |date=March 3, 2014 |access-date=2024-11-05}}

{{clear}}

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.[https://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/assets/pdf/svrs-reports/2021/2021-10-voter-registration-by-county.pdf Statewide Voter Registration Summary as of October 1, 2021], New Jersey Department of State. Accessed July 28, 2022. Among the county's 2010 Census population, 53.3% were registered to vote, including 70.6% of those ages 18 and over.[http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/election-results/2011-union-co-summary-report.pdf Voter Registration Summary – Union], New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, March 23, 2011. Accessed May 26, 2013.[https://www.census.gov 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.

{{PresHead|place=Union County, New Jersey|source={{Cite web|url=http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS|title=Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections|last=Leip|first=David|website=uselectionatlas.org|access-date=June 10, 2018}}}}

{{PresRow|2024|Democratic|89,063|147,327|5,533|New Jersey}}

{{PresRow|2020|Democratic|80,002|170,245|3,794|New Jersey}}

{{PresRow|2016|Democratic|68,114|147,414|8,042|New Jersey}}

{{PresRow|2012|Democratic|68,314|139,752|2,022|New Jersey}}

{{PresRow|2008|Democratic|78,768|141,417|2,241|New Jersey}}

{{PresRow|2004|Democratic|82,517|119,372|1,613|New Jersey}}

{{PresRow|2000|Democratic|68,554|112,003|5,816|New Jersey}}

{{PresRow|1996|Democratic|65,912|108,102|16,227|New Jersey}}

{{PresRow|1992|Democratic|87,742|96,671|25,699|New Jersey}}

{{PresRow|1988|Republican|112,967|93,158|2,028|New Jersey}}

{{PresRow|1984|Republican|135,446|92,056|1,638|New Jersey}}

{{PresRow|1980|Republican|112,288|86,074|18,977|New Jersey}}

{{PresRow|1976|Republican|118,019|106,267|4,616|New Jersey}}

{{PresRow|1972|Republican|148,290|90,482|4,201|New Jersey}}

{{PresRow|1968|Republican|110,309|109,674|21,273|New Jersey}}

{{PresRow|1964|Democratic|82,999|164,989|1,359|New Jersey}}

{{PresRow|1960|Republican|123,224|119,986|1,798|New Jersey}}

{{PresRow|1956|Republican|146,228|67,540|2,646|New Jersey}}

{{PresRow|1952|Republican|122,885|78,336|2,024|New Jersey}}

{{PresRow|1948|Republican|87,402|66,759|8,019|New Jersey}}

{{PresRow|1944|Republican|86,543|75,969|2,113|New Jersey}}

{{PresRow|1940|Republican|79,962|70,737|1,597|New Jersey}}

{{PresRow|1936|Democratic|59,553|70,813|1,731|New Jersey}}

{{PresRow|1932|Republican|67,512|51,357|4,092|New Jersey}}

{{PresRow|1928|Republican|68,119|37,476|497|New Jersey}}

{{PresRow|1924|Republican|50,356|14,738|8,966|New Jersey}}

{{PresRow|1920|Republican|39,409|12,103|2,791|New Jersey}}

{{PresRow|1916|Republican|16,705|10,328|1,181|New Jersey}}

{{PresRow|1912|Democratic|5,421|9,695|10,040|New Jersey}}

{{PresRow|1908|Republican|15,920|8,809|1,414|New Jersey}}

{{PresRow|1904|Republican|13,906|8,574|1,120|New Jersey}}

{{PresRow|1900|Republican|12,533|7,667|1,061|New Jersey}}

{{PresRow|1896|Republican|11,707|6,073|1,230|New Jersey}}

|}

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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.[http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/kean-university-2622 Kean University] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005004730/http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/kean-university-2622 |date=October 5, 2013 }}, U.S. News & World Report. Accessed October 2, 2013.

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.[http://www.ucc.edu/about/Generalinformation General Information] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928041338/http://www.ucc.edu/about/Generalinformation |date=September 28, 2011 }}, Union County College. Accessed October 2, 2013.

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:[https://homeroom6.doe.state.nj.us/directory/district/county/union New Jersey School Directory for Union County], New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed February 1, 2024.[https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/districtsearch/district_list.asp?Search=1&details=1&State=34&County=Union+County Search for Public School Districts in Union County, New Jersey], National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed August 1, 2022.{{cite web|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st34_nj/schooldistrict_maps/c34039_union/DC20SD_C34039.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220807002955/https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st34_nj/schooldistrict_maps/c34039_union/DC20SD_C34039.pdf |archive-date=August 7, 2022 |url-status=live|title=2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Union County, NJ|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|accessdate=August 6, 2022}} - [https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st34_nj/schooldistrict_maps/c34039_union/DC20SD_C34039_SD2MS.txt Text list]

;K-12:

{{div col|colwidth=30em}}

• 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

{{div col end}}

;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.

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.[https://www.bea.gov/sites/default/files/2022-12/lagdp1222.pdf Gross Domestic Product by County, 2021], Bureau of Economic Analysis, released December 8, 2022. Accessed July 17, 2023.

The top employers in 2011, according to the Union County Economic Development Corporation, were:{{cite web|title=Major Employers Report for Union County, NJ|url=http://www.ucedc.com/sites/default/files/2011%20Major%20Employer%20Report.pdf|work=Union County, New Jersey|publisher=Union County Economical Development Corporation|access-date=October 28, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029201846/http://www.ucedc.com/sites/default/files/2011%20Major%20Employer%20Report.pdf|archive-date=October 29, 2013}}

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

File:2018-06-20 18 47 05 View north along New Jersey State Route 444 (Garden State Parkway) between Exit 132 and Exit 135, entering Clark Township, Union County from Woodbridge Township, Middlesex County in New Jersey.jpg

{{As of|2010}}, the county had a total of {{convert|1418.31|mi}} of roadways, of which {{convert|1158.45|mi}} were maintained by the local municipality, {{convert|176.32|mi}} by Union County and {{convert|66.22|mi}} by the New Jersey Department of Transportation, {{convert|16.22|mi}} by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and {{convert|1.10|mi}} by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.[https://www.state.nj.us/transportation/refdata/sldiag/pdf/mileage_Union.pdf Union County Mileage by Municipality and Jurisdiction], New Jersey Department of Transportation, March 2019. Accessed December 25, 2020.[https://www.state.nj.us/transportation/refdata/sldiag/pdf/00000278__-.pdf Interstate 278 Straight Line Diagram], New Jersey Department of Transportation, June 2018. Accessed December 25, 2020

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.Roberts, Russell. [https://books.google.com/books?id=00PHkUlnXJcC&pg=PT3 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."

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.[http://www.njtransit.com/rg/rg_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=LineDetailsTo&selLine=MNEG Gladstone Branch] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417080404/http://www.njtransit.com/rg/rg_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=LineDetailsTo&selLine=MNEG |date=April 17, 2016 }}, NJ Transit. Accessed October 6, 2013.[http://www.njtransit.com/rg/rg_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=LineDetailsTo&selLine=MNE Morristown Line] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023060244/http://www.njtransit.com/rg/rg_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=LineDetailsTo&selLine=MNE |date=October 23, 2013 }}, NJ Transit. Accessed October 6, 2013.[http://www.njtransit.com/rg/rg_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=LineDetailsTo&selLine=NEC Northeast Corridor] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140712073924/http://www.njtransit.com/rg/rg_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=LineDetailsTo&selLine=NEC |date=July 12, 2014 }}, NJ Transit. Accessed October 6, 2013.[http://www.njtransit.com/rg/rg_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=LineDetailsTo&selLine=NJCL North Jersey Coast Line] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130723025516/http://www.njtransit.com/rg/rg_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=LineDetailsTo&selLine=NJCL |date=July 23, 2013 }}, NJ Transit. Accessed October 6, 2013.[http://www.njtransit.com/rg/rg_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=LineDetailsTo&selLine=RARV Raritan Valley Line] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015103641/http://www.njtransit.com/rg/rg_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=LineDetailsTo&selLine=RARV |date=October 15, 2013 }}, NJ Transit. Accessed October 6, 2013. 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.Boright, Walter E. [http://www.nj.com/cranford/index.ssf/2011/05/rvrr_the_little_railroad_that.html "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."

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.[https://web.archive.org/web/20090522212305/http://www.njtransit.com/sf/sf_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=BusRoutesUnionCountyTo Union County Bus / Rail Connections], NJ Transit, backed up by the Internet Archive as of May 22, 2009. Accessed October 6, 2013.

The Port Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal is part of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.[http://www.panynj.gov/port/about-port.html About the Port], Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Accessed October 6, 2013.

The southern portion of Newark Liberty International Airport is located in Elizabeth, within Union County.[http://www.panynj.gov/airports/ewr-about.html About the Airport], Newark Liberty International Airport. Accessed October 6, 2013.

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.[https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1DBBlGLp93s1zuQRC_SVzk-8gR5g Abandoned right-of-ways Union County], Google Maps. Accessed December 21, 2016.

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 [http://www.nj.com/independentpress/index.ssf/2015/01/summits_own_highline_would_be.html 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.[http://www.summitparkline.org/about/ About], Summit Park Line Foundation. Accessed January 3, 2017. 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.Faszczewski, Bob. [https://www.tapinto.net/towns/summit/articles/summit-council-applies-for-1-million-grant-towar "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." "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.http://unionnewsdaily.com/news/2465{{dead link|date=March 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

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. 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.

Image:Union County, New Jersey Municipalities.png

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The 21 municipalities in Union County (with 2010 Census data for population, housing units and area) are:[https://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTPH1.CY10/0500000US34039 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] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20200213235636/https://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTPH1.CY10/0500000US34039 |date=February 13, 2020 }}, United States Census Bureau. Accessed March 24, 2017.

File:Warinanco boathouse jeh.JPG 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.

{{Cite web|url=https://ucnj.org/parks-activities/|title=Parks, Activities, Locations & Maps|date=June 6, 2014|website=County of Union, New Jersey|language=en-US|access-date=April 9, 2020}}

• Ash Brook Reservation, Scotch Plains
• Black Brook Park, Kenilworth
• Briant Park, Summit[https://www.cityofsummit.org/DocumentCenter/Home/View/612 Environmental Resource Inventory] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216171109/https://www.cityofsummit.org/DocumentCenter/Home/View/612 |date=February 16, 2017 }}, City of Summit, 2011. Accessed October 23, 2017.[http://ucnj.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Hidden-Valley-Park-Houdaille-Quarry.pdf Map of Hidden Valley Park and Houdaille Quarry], Union County, New Jersey. Accessed October 23, 2017.
• Brookside Park, Scotch Plains

File:Shakespeare Garden, Cedar Brook Park, NJ.jpg, 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 SummitCity of Summit. https://www.cityofsummit.org/DocumentCenter/Home/View/612 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216171109/https://www.cityofsummit.org/DocumentCenter/Home/View/612 |date=February 16, 2017 }}
• 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

File:Mattano Park from 5th St bridge jeh.jpg

• 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.File:Lake near Union County College Cranford NJ.jpg in Cranford]]
• Oak Ridge Park, Clark
• Passaic River Parkway,[https://www.cityofsummit.org/DocumentCenter/Home/View/612 Environmental Resource Inventory] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216171109/https://www.cityofsummit.org/DocumentCenter/Home/View/612 |date=February 16, 2017 }}, City of Summit. Accessed June 11, 2018. 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.{{Cite web |url=http://www.rahwayriverparkway.org/historic-olmsted-design.html |title=Historic Olmsted Design - Friends of Rahway River Parkway |access-date=May 26, 2017 |archive-date=November 8, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161108052349/http://www.rahwayriverparkway.org/historic-olmsted-design.html |url-status=dead }}
• 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

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.{{Cite web |url=http://www.njaudubon.org/SectionHawkRiseSanctuary/Introduction.aspx |title=Hawk Rise Introduction |access-date=May 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170527082528/http://www.njaudubon.org/SectionHawkRiseSanctuary/Introduction.aspx |archive-date=May 27, 2017 |url-status=dead }} 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.{{Cite web|url=http://ebird.org/content/nj/news/birds-of-lindens-hawk-rise-sanctuary/|title = Birds of Linden's Hawk Rise Sanctuary - New Jersey eBird}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.linden-nj.org/featured/pdf/Hawk-Rise-Survey-Results.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=May 29, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223070633/http://www.linden-nj.org/featured/pdf/Hawk-Rise-Survey-Results.pdf |archive-date=December 23, 2016 |url-status=dead }} It has been reported as vandalized.
• Reeves-Reed Arboretum in Summit.[https://www.reeves-reedarboretum.org/discover/#hist History], Reeves-Reed Arboretum. Accessed October 25, 2017.
• Kennedy Reservation in Union.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tapinto.net/towns/union/sections/government/articles/community-meeting-set-for-kennedy-reservation-dis|title=Community Meeting Set for Kennedy Reservation Discussion|website=TAPinto}}
• The grounds of Liberty Hall Museum near the campus of Kean University in Union and Elizabeth.

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.[http://ucnj.org/parks-recreation/paths-trails-greenways/walking-paths/rahway-river/ Rahway River], Union County, New Jersey. Accessed January 3, 2017.[https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1IZoeuM_bupCuWaWp_5bUciz2r0Q Parks along the Rahway River Parkway], Google Maps. Accessed January 3, 2017.

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[http://ucnj.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Zimmerman-Park.pdf Zimmerman Park], Union County, New Jersey. Accessed December 22, 2016.
• Lightning Brook - Hillside and Union[http://ucnj.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Lightning-Brook-Section.pdf Lightning Brook Section], Union County, New Jersey. Accessed December 22, 2016.
• File:Galloping Hill Golf Course in November 2022.jpgPruden/Pearl Oval - Elizabeth[http://ucnj.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Pruden-Section.pdf Pruden Section], Union County, New Jersey. Accessed December 22, 2016.
• Salem/Rutgers/Liberty - Hillside and Union[http://ucnj.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Salem-Section-1.pdf Salem Section], Union County, New Jersey. Accessed December 22, 2016.
• Woodruff/Conant Street - Hillside and Union[http://ucnj.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Conant-Park.pdf Conant Park], Union County, New Jersey. Accessed December 22, 2016.
• Ursino - Hillside and Union Township[http://ucnj.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Ursino-Park.pdf Ursino Section], Union County, New Jersey. Accessed December 22, 2016.

Union County's Division of Golf Operations runs two golf courses, which offer golf lessons and practice areas.[http://ucnj.org/parks-recreation/golf/ Golf], Union County, New Jersey. Accessed January 3, 2017.

• Ash Brook Golf Course in Scotch Plains.
• Galloping Hill Golf Course and Golf Learning Center in Kenilworth.[http://www.gallopinghillgolfcourse.com/ Home Page], Galloping Hill Golf Course. Accessed January 3, 2017. 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.Levin, Eric. [https://njmonthly.com/articles/jersey-living/sports/galloping-hill-promise-fulfilled/ "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."

Another notable course

• Shady Rest Country Club {{Cite web|url=https://shadyrestcountryclub.com/shady-rest/|title=Shady Rest Country Club|website=shadyrestcountryclub.com}} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/shippen-john-matthew-jr-1879-1968/|title=John Matthew Shippen, Jr. (1879-1968) •|date=February 21, 2011}} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://scotchplainsnj.gov/index.php/news/766-shady-rest-golf-and-country-club-joins-national-register-of-historic-places|title=Township of Scotch Plains, NJ - Shady Rest Golf and Country Club Joins National Register of Historic Places|website=scotchplainsnj.gov}} The committee continues working to further solidify Shady Rest as a local, state, and national landmark given its historical significance.{{Cite web|url=http://pnj10most.org/|title=** Preservation New Jersey's Ten Most Endangered Historic Sites of 2009 **|website=pnj10most.org}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/weekly-list-2022-07-08.htm|title=Weekly List 2022 07 08 - National Register of Historic Places (U.S. National Park Service)|website=www.nps.gov}}

• 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.[https://www.baltusrol.org/club/scripts/public/public.asp?GRP=23554&NS=PUBLIC About Us / Guest Info] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170711094925/https://www.baltusrol.org/club/scripts/public/public.asp?GRP=23554&NS=PUBLIC |date=July 11, 2017 }}, Baltusrol Golf Club. Accessed October 25, 2017.
• 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.[https://www.echolakecc.org/club The Club] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171026162659/https://www.echolakecc.org/club |date=October 26, 2017 }}, Echo Lake Country Club. Accessed October 25, 2017.
• Hyatt Hills Golf Complex in Clark
• Shackamaxon Country Club
• Suburban Golf Club

File:Feltville NJ.JPG]]

• Clark Community Pool[http://www.ourclark.com/departments/swim-pool-utility Clark Pool General Information] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150408120918/http://www.ourclark.com/departments/swim-pool-utility |date=April 8, 2015 }}, Clark Township. Accessed October 25, 2017.
• 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)

• 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.[http://www.ucpac.org/history-of-the-center History of the Center] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223131638/http://www.ucpac.org/history-of-the-center |date=December 23, 2016 }}, Union County Performing Arts Center. Accessed December 22, 2016.
• 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.[http://www.keanstage.com/theatres About] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103235902/http://www.keanstage.com/theatres |date=January 3, 2017 }}, Kean Stage. Accessed January 3, 2017.[http://www.kean.edu/premierestages/about.php About Us] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170618131751/http://www.kean.edu/premierestages/about.php |date=June 18, 2017 }}, Premiere Stages. Accessed January 4, 2017.
• The Cranford Dramatic Club is New Jersey's oldest continually producing theater and has been putting on theatrical productions since its establishment in 1919.[http://www.cdctheatre.org/about.html About] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128172136/http://www.cdctheatre.org/about.html |date=January 28, 2020 }}, Cranford Dramatic Club. Accessed January 3, 2017.
• Tomasulo Art Gallery is in the MacKay Library at Union County College's Cranford campus.[http://www.ucc.edu/Community/TomasuloArtGallery Tomasulo Art Gallery] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223062845/http://www.ucc.edu/Community/TomasuloArtGallery |date=December 23, 2016 }}, 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."
• 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.Staff. [http://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/news/education/in-our-schools/2016/12/03/joel-perry-guitarist-and-educatorl-jazz/93918410/ "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."
• The Plainfield Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1919, making it the state's oldest community orchestra.[http://www.plainfieldsymphony.org/about About], Plainfield Symphony Orchestra. Accessed December 22, 2016. "Plainfield Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1919, is the oldest community symphony in New Jersey."
• The duCret School of Art in Plainfield was founded in 1926.Sagara, Eric. [http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/03/plainfield_art_school_celebrat.html "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."
• The Swain Gallery, in Plainfield, was founded in 1868 and is the oldest privately owned art gallery in the state.[http://www.swaingalleries.com/history History], Swain Galleries. Accessed January 3, 2017.

In 1869, the Union County Historical Society of New Jersey was incorporated. The society meets at the Hanson House in Cranford.[http://www.unioncountyhistoricalsocietynj.org/ Home Page], Union County Historical Society of New Jersey. Accessed November 21, 2016.

• Berkeley Heights - The Berkeley Heights Historical Society.Berkeley Heights Historical Society seeks new members http://s.nj.com/0yK2UVD {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230163446/http://s.nj.com/0yK2UVD |date=December 30, 2016 }}
• 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.[http://www.drrobinsonmuseum.org/History.html History], Dr. Wm. Robinson Plantation Museum. Accessed August 8, 2022.
• 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 ({{circa|1845}}) a couple of blocks south on North Union Avenue as a museum.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
• Garwood - Garwood Historical Committee.[http://garwood.org/index.asp?SEC=041145C1-74BA-4B5E-98B6-379A56E31A0C&Type=B_BASIC The Evolution of Garwood], Borough of Garwood. Accessed December 21, 2016.
• Hillside - The Hillside Historical Society, founded in 1975, meets at the Woodruff House.[https://hillsidehistoricalsociety.org/history/ History], Hillside Historical Society. Accessed August 8, 2022.
• Kenilworth - The Kenilworth Historical Society dates to 1974. It runs the Oswald J. Nitschke House ({{circa|1880}}).[http://www.kenilworthhistoricalsociety.org/about-us/ About Us], Kenilworth Historical Society. Accessed December 21, 2016.
• Linden - The Linden Society for Historical Preservation is an offshoot of an official cultural board in the city.{{Cite web|url=http://www.linden-nj.org/Boards/cultural/|title=Cultural & Heritage Committee – City of Linden|access-date=January 16, 2017|archive-date=January 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118031241/http://www.linden-nj.org/Boards/cultural/|url-status=dead}}
• Mountainside - The Mountainside Restoration Committee, Inc. is also called the Mountainside Historic Committee, founded in 1984.[http://www.mountainsidehistory.org/aboutus.html About Us] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222153703/http://www.mountainsidehistory.org/aboutus.html |date=December 22, 2016 }}, Mountainside Restoration Committee. Accessed December 21, 2016.
• Plainfield - The Historical Society of Plainfield is headquartered at the Nathaniel Drake House Museum, built in 1746 on the Old York Road.[http://www.drakehouseplainfieldnj.org/about.html About] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170104001445/http://www.drakehouseplainfieldnj.org/about.html |date=January 4, 2017 }}, Drake House Museum. Accessed January 3, 2017.Staff. [http://www.nj.com/suburbannews/index.ssf/2016/02/historical_society_of_plainfie_2.html "Historical Society of Plainfield to host discussion on 'Wagon Train' journey"], Suburban News, February 16, 2016. January 3, 2017.
• Rahway - The Rahway Historical Society is now called the Merchants' and Drovers' Tavern Museum Association.[http://www.merchantsanddrovers.org/about-us/ About s], The Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum. Accessed January 3, 2017.
• Scotch Plains and Fanwood - The Scotch Plains-Fanwood Historical Society runs the Osborn Cannonball House.[http://www.historicalsocietyspfnj.org/about/ About], Scotch Plains-Fanwood Historical Society. Accessed December 21, 2016.
• Springfield - The Historic Cannon Ball House serves as the home of the Springfield Historical Society.[https://springfieldhistoricalsociety.webs.com/ Springfield Historical Society]. Accessed February 1, 2019.
• 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.[https://www.westfieldhistoricalsociety.org/ 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."
• 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.

• 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.[http://www.rahwayriverparkway.org/ Welcome], Friends of Rahway River Parkway. Accessed October 25, 2017.

The county has a sister city relationship with Wenzhou in Zhejiang, China.[http://www.accci.com.au/sister.htm "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.Dennis, Anita. [https://www.nytimes.com/2000/10/01/nyregion/new-jersey-co-the-selling-of-new-jersey-and-its-difficulties.html "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."

{{portal|New Jersey}}

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

{{Reflist}}

• {{commons category-inline|Union County, New Jersey}}
• [http://mapmaker.rutgers.edu/UNION_COUNTY/OldUnion.html Changing Landscape of Union County]
• [http://www.ucnj.org Official website of Union County]

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Category:Central Jersey

Category:1857 establishments in New Jersey

Category:Counties in the New York metropolitan area

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Category:Populated places established in 1857