Orange, New Jersey
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| Orange, New Jersey | |
|---|---|
| Name | Orange |
| Settlement type | City |
| Nickname | The Elm City |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | New Jersey |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Essex |
| Established title | Settled |
| Established date | 1675 |
| Established title1 | Incorporated (township) |
| Established date1 | November 27, 1806 |
| Established title2 | Incorporated (city) |
| Established date2 | April 3, 1872 |
| Government type | Faulkner Act (Mayor-Council) |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Dwayne D. Warren |
| Leader party | Democratic |
| Area total km2 | 5.36 |
| Area total sq mi | 2.07 |
| Area land km2 | 5.36 |
| Area land sq mi | 2.07 |
| Area water km2 | 0.00 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.00 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population total | 34447 |
| Population density km2 | 6426.7 |
| Population density sq mi | 16641.1 |
| Timezone | EST |
| Utc offset | -5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | -4 |
| Coordinates | 40, 46, 13, N... |
| Elevation ft | 195 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 07050 |
| Area code | 973/862 |
| Website | www.ci.orange.nj.us |
| Unit pref | Imperial |
Orange, New Jersey is a city in Essex County, situated within the New York metropolitan area. Originally part of the Newark settlement, it grew into a major industrial suburb in the late 19th century, known for its hat-making and other manufacturing. The city is governed under the Faulkner Act and is home to several institutions of higher education and notable historical landmarks.
History
The area was originally settled as part of the New England New Haven Colony and was known as the "Mountain Society" of Newark. It separated and was incorporated as the Township of Orange on November 27, 1806, named for William III, Prince of Orange. The arrival of the Morris and Essex Railroad spurred significant growth, transforming the community into a thriving industrial center by the late 1800s, with prominent industries including the C. H. & D. J. Hat Company and the Orange Valley Brewing Company. The city was a center of innovation, home to Thomas Edison's first industrial research laboratory and the location where he developed the first commercially viable incandescent light bulb. Portions of the township were taken to form the now-independent municipalities of South Orange, East Orange, West Orange, and Montclair.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.07 square miles, all of it land. It is bordered by East Orange, West Orange, South Orange, and Montclair. The terrain is part of the Piedmont region, featuring the Watchung Mountains and the Second River. Major thoroughfares include Route 280, Interstate 280, and Main Street, with access to New Jersey Transit rail service at the Orange station on the Morris & Essex Lines.
Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the population was 34,447. The racial makeup was predominantly African American, with significant Hispanic or Latino and White communities. The population density was among the highest in the state. Historical census data shows a peak population of over 41,000 in the mid-20th century, followed by demographic shifts during the period of white flight and subsequent stabilization.
Economy
Historically an industrial powerhouse, the city's economy was dominated by hat manufacturing, with firms like the John J. O'Neill's Sons hat factory, and other light industry. While manufacturing has declined, the economy now includes healthcare, anchored by the East Orange General Hospital campus, retail along Central Avenue, and educational institutions. The city has undertaken redevelopment projects, including the adaptive reuse of historic factory buildings for residential and commercial purposes.
Government
The city operates under the Faulkner Act (Mayor-Council) system of municipal government. The government consists of a mayor, currently Dwayne D. Warren, and a seven-member Common Council elected at-large. The city is part of New Jersey's 10th congressional district, represented in the U.S. House of Representatives by Donald Payne Jr., and is located in the 34th Legislative District for the New Jersey Legislature.
Education
The Orange Public Schools district serves students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. The district includes Orange High School and several elementary and middle schools. The city is also home to post-secondary institutions, including a campus of Essex County College and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey's former School of Health Related Professions, now part of Rutgers University. The Orange Public Library is the city's public library.
Notable people
Numerous notable individuals have been born or have lived in the city. Inventor Thomas Edison established his first workshop here. Baseball Hall of Famer Monte Irvin was a resident. Musicians include singer Dionne Warwick and rapper Queen Latifah. Other notable residents have included actor William Bendix, journalist Gwen Ifill, and United States Secretary of War Lindley Miller Garrison.
Category:Cities in New Jersey Category:Essex County, New Jersey Category:Populated places established in 1806