West Orange

West Orange is a township in Essex County, New Jersey, with neighborhoods of single-family homes, small business centers, and wooded nature preserves. The terrain includes gentle slopes with tree-lined streets and streams running through conservation areas.

The township formed on April 10, 1863, from lands once inhabited by the Hackensack people and gradually transformed into a suburb. In the late 19th century, proximity to Newark attracted factories and working families.

The name honors William III of Orange, and traces of Dutch heritage appear in some older street names throughout the area. Families spend weekends at community parks or attend events at local gathering spaces that serve as social centers.

Visitors can find information about public facilities and events at the town hall or on the municipal website. Most residential areas and parks are easily reached by car, and parking is available at most locations.

Thomas Edison opened his laboratory here and developed numerous inventions, including the Black Maria, the first movie studio in America. The complex now welcomes visitors and displays the workshops where he worked.

Location: Essex County

Elevation above the sea: 135 m

Shares border with: Essex Fells, Verona, Montclair, Orange, South Orange, Maplewood, Millburn, Livingston, Roseland

Website: https://westorange.org

GPS coordinates: 40.79861,-74.23917

Latest update: December 13, 2025 15:38