Township of Scotch Plains
Incorporated:1877
Population: 21,125 (1990 Census figures)
Total Square Miles:9.6
Frequently Used Telephone Numbers (908):
Police322-7100 or 911
Fire322-7100 or 911
Rescue Squad322-2103 or 911
City Hall322-6700
Board of Education232-6161
Public Library322-5007
Post Office322-4242
Services:
Garbage CollectionPrivate, curbside twice a week
Fire Department1 Chief and 35 volunteers
Rescue SquadVolunteer
Transportation
BusNJ Transit
TrainNJ Transit Raritan Valley Line, Fanwood station
Schools:
Combined district with Fanwood - All schools located in Scotch Plains
ElementaryFive
MiddleTwo
HighOne
CollegeUnion County Vocational
Points of Interest:
Ash Brook Golf Course & ReservationWatchung Reservation
Osborn-Cannonball HouseStage House Inn & Village
Scotch Hills Golf ClubFanwood/Scotch Plains YMCA
History:
Scotch Plains takes its early name “Scotsplain” from the Scottish settlers who established farms on the plains of the “West Fields” of Elizabethtown late in the 17th century.

In 1877, Fanwood Township was created, taking about one square mile from the center of the township, and Scotch Plains was incorporated.

Today the town is the third largest municipality in square miles in Union County and is primarily a residential community. Its most notable increase in population was from 9,000 to 18,000 between 1950 and 1960. Only 1.5% of its area is comprised of industry. A good portion of its acreage is devoted to parks and playgrounds, including part of the Watchung Reservation. The township also is distinguished by excellent cultural and community recreational programs, lovely single family homes, with a few garden apartments and townhouse/condominiums.