Township of Springfield
Incorporated:1793
Population: 14,000 (1990 Census figures)
Total Square Miles:5.06
Frequently Used Telephone Numbers (908):
Police376-0400 or 911
Fire376-7670 or 911
Rescue Squad376-0400 or 911
City Hall912-2200
Board of Education276-1025
Public Library376-4930
Post Office376-1138
Services:
Garbage CollectionMunicipal, twice a week
Fire DepartmentPaid plus volunteers
Rescue SquadVolunteer
Transportation
BusNJ Transit
TrainNJ Transit Gladstone branch, Millburn station
Schools:
ElementaryThree
SecondaryOne
HighJonathan Dayton Regional
Points of Interest:
Anthony Swain HouseThe Cannonball House
History:
Springfield was originally a dense forest used by Indians for fishing and hunting. It is located at the head of the Rahway River and is named for its springs. Settlement of the area began early in the 18th century by colonists tom Hackensack.

During the American Revolution, Springfield was the scene of sporadic fighting. General George Washington spent the winter of 1779-1780 in nearby Morristown and defeated Hessian General Knyphausen in battle in Springfield. This battle marked the last British invasion of New Jersey. Washington did make his headquarters in Springfield for a short time in June, 1780.

Springfield’s main period of growth occurred after World War II, when many homes and highways were constructed, attracting city dwellers to suburban life.