The Township, located in the heart ofUnionCounty, was incorporated in 1871 and through the years thebusinessdistrict and neighborhoods sprang up around the trainstation andthe Rahway River. Today, the downtown, the river and thetrainstation remain valued amenities to more than 22,000 residentsinthe four square mile township.

By 1885, there were 76 residents commuting daily from CranfordtoNew York City. Today, close to 1,000 people take the train everydayfrom Cranford's Train Station.

Cranford is a close knit community where many of itsresidentsare actively involved in schools, sports, civic andcommunityorganizations. The Township is proud of its recreationalfacilitiesthat include two outdoor pools, an indoor pool andfitness complex,bike path, canoe club, tennis courts, sports fieldsand parks.Cranford has a first rate K-12 school system.

The Township operates under a Committee form of governmentwithfive commissioners elected at-large for three year terms.Thecommissioners decide who will serve as mayor and deputy mayorfor aone-year terms. Four of the commissioners haveoversightassignments for the various departments and municipaloperations.The Township is managed on a day-to-day basis by theTownshipAdministrator and department heads.