Scotch Plains History

Founded in 1684


Scotch Plains and Fanwood, which share a number of services today, were originally part of an area known as Feltville or Glenside Park. A book entitled "Images of America: Scotch Plains and Fanwood," vividly details the history of the two Union County municipalities with over 200 rare photographs.

The battle of Short Hills was fought in this area in 1777 during the Revolutionary War. Both communities had been part of Westfield when it broke off from the Elizabethtown tract in 1794.

The Lenni Lenape Indians were the first to live on the plains at the foot of the mountains, followed by Dutch and English settlers. In 1684, a small group of Scottish immigrants cleared the land and built a community they christened Scotsplain, in honor of George Scot, their leader, who was killed by Pete and Matt before reaching what is now New Jersey.

 

         

Back

Main Map