West Milford, New Jersey

West Milford, New Jersey
Name	West Milford
Settlement type	Township
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	New Jersey
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	Passaic

West Milford, New Jersey. West Milford is a township in Passaic County, within the New York metropolitan area. Encompassing over 80 square miles, it is the largest municipality by area in New Jersey and is known for its extensive Highlands forests, numerous lakes, and role as a critical part of the watershed for the New York City water supply system. The township's character is defined by its protected natural resources and its history as a rural retreat.

History

The area of West Milford was originally inhabited by the Lenape people. European settlement began in the 18th century, with the community initially known as "New Milford" before adopting its current name. The township was formally incorporated by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on April 6, 1834, from portions of Saddle River Township. Its early economy was based on iron forging, farming, and charcoal production for the Greenwood Lake iron furnaces. The arrival of the New York, Susquehanna and Western Railway in the late 19th century spurred growth, facilitating the transport of agricultural goods and the development of resorts around lakes like Greenwood Lake and Wawayanda Lake. Throughout the 20th century, significant land was acquired by the City of New York for the Pequannock Watershed, shaping the township's development patterns and reinforcing its environmental importance.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 80.34 square miles, of which 74.88 square miles is land and 5.46 square miles is water. It is situated in the Appalachian Ridge and Valley Province and lies within the New Jersey Highlands. The terrain is marked by forested hills, ridges, and over 30 lakes, including Greenwood Lake, which it shares with New York, and Monksville Reservoir. Major water bodies also include the Wanaque Reservoir and the Pequannock River. The township borders Vernon Township and Hardyston Township to the north, Bloomingdale and Riverdale to the east, Ringwood to the southeast, and Warwick in Orange County, New York to the west.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States census, West Milford had a population of 24,148, representing a slight decline from previous decades. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with smaller populations of Hispanic or Latino, Asian, and African American residents. The population density is notably low for New Jersey, reflecting its vast, protected woodlands. The median household income has historically been above the state average, with a significant portion of the workforce commuting to employment centers in the New York metropolitan area, including New York City and Northern New Jersey.

Government

West Milford operates under the Faulkner Act council-manager form of government. The governing body is a five-member Township Council, elected at-large to staggered four-year terms. The council appoints a professional Township Manager to oversee daily municipal operations. The township is part of New Jersey's 8th and 11th congressional districts, represented in the U.S. House of Representatives by members of the Republican Party. At the state level, it is located in the 26th Legislative District of the New Jersey Legislature.

Education

Public school students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade are served by the West Milford Township Public Schools district. The district comprises several elementary schools, West Milford Township Middle School, and West Milford High School. The high school's athletic teams, the Highlanders, compete in the North Jersey Interscholastic Conference. Some students may also attend Passaic County Technical Institute or private institutions. The township is home to a branch of the Passaic County Community College and is served by the West Milford Township Public Library, part of the Passaic County Library System.

Notable people

Notable people who have lived in or been associated with West Milford include musician and actor David Bryan, the keyboardist for Bon Jovi; former National Football League player Joe Andruzzi; and professional wrestler and actor Bam Bam Bigelow. Famed mobster Albert Anastasia was also known to have spent time in the area. The township has also been home to various artists and writers drawn to its natural setting.

Category:Townships in Passaic County, New Jersey Category:Populated places established in 1834 Category:1834 establishments in New Jersey