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Westfield is located in Union
County 10 miles southwest of Newark and 22 miles southwest of midtown
Manhattan.
History:
Known originally as the "West
Fields", the western portion of the Elizabethtown tract, the community
retained a rural character for almost 200 years, being divided into 100
acre farm plots. In 1699, the West Fields encompassed all of present day
Westfield, Scotch Plains, Plainfield, Fanwood, Clark, Garwood, Mountainside
and part of Cranford. When track was laid for the Elizabethtown and
Somerville Railroad in 1838, the town developed into a suburban commuter
community.
Westfield was once a popular
trail for the Lenni-Lenape Indians, whose heritage remains in many streets
named for them. It was then settled by immigrants from Europe more than
three hundred years ago.
Westfield is an attractive town
noted for its beautiful downtown area and convenient commute to New York
City. A large segment of the residents commutes daily.
Westfield
has been able to sustain the residential tradition begun in the late 19th
century, with several areas officially designated as historic homes
sections. The town continues to draw prosperous residents to its attractive
neighborhoods, many of whom are famous artists, musicians, high government
officials and sports people. The town is distinguished by its single family
homes, broad tree-lined streets and cultural and community recreational
programs. It boasts a high rate of community involvement and volunteerism.
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