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57-957: Starting in April 1904, Spicer's patented joint was initially manufactured through an arrangement with the Potter Printing Press Company in Plainfield, New Jersey . Spicer incorporated the Spicer Universal Joint Manufacturing Company in May 1905, shortening the name to Spicer Manufacturing Company in 1909. In 1910, the company relocated to a site adjacent to the Lehigh Valley Railroad and Bound Brook in South Plainfield, New Jersey . Charles A. Dana joined

114-492: A major attack on the Continental Army outpost at Bound Brook in April had not been entirely successful. Howe apparently did not divulge his plans or his intended route to Philadelphia to many people, and General Washington did not know Howe's intentions although Philadelphia was one target that he suspected interested Howe. On May 29, Washington moved most of his army from its winter quarters near Morristown to

171-719: A strong position at Middlebrook in the Watchung Mountains from which he could observe and interfere with British moves toward Philadelphia. Historians who mention this battle only occasionally give it a name. It is often called "Short Hills" even though the battle took place primarily in present-day Edison and Scotch Plains, New Jersey . Historians also give the battle other names. David Martin calls it "Flat Hills" or "Metuchen Meeting House," and one British regimental history refers to it by "Westfield". On June 9, Howe began moving troops from Staten Island to Perth Amboy . On June 11, almost of his entire army moved up

228-481: A century. The West End has grown more Latino in recent years. As of the 2020 census, 51% of all people living in Plainfield were of Hispanic origin. This was up from 25% in 2000 and 40% in 2010. In his book Insurrection , Isaiah Tremaine, a Black Plainfield native, credits the influx of Latinos for breathing new life and energy into a city hurting from racism and racial strife in the 1970s. The West End

285-575: A close-knit African-American community. Part of the West End is known to locals as Soulville. Mount Olive Baptist Church has been serving the West End as a community of faith since 1870. It is considered Plainfield's first Black church. As the Black community grew, other congregations branched off from Mount Olive. Calvary Baptist Church began in 1897 among a group of Black congregants from Mount Olive, and celebrated its 120th anniversary in 2017 with

342-575: A large scrapyard in the West End. According to the United States Census Bureau , the city had a total area of 5.97 square miles (15.5 km ), including 5.96 square miles (15.4 km ) of land and 0.01 square miles (0.026 km ) of water (0.15%). Unincorporated communities , localities and place names located partially or completely within the city include Netherwood. The city is located in Central Jersey on

399-542: A local resident who had been baking bread for the Americans. When Cornwallis arrived, he requested a loaf of bread from her. When she offered it to him and said, "I give this not in love but in fear," Cornwallis graciously declined the offer and responded, "Not a man of my command shall touch a single loaf." A British officer recorded the British and Hessian casualties as 5 killed and 30 wounded. The only officer casualty

456-443: A mournful accounting of the Plainfield riots—and subsequent racial tensions at Plainfield High School—from his perspective as a Black teenager living in the city with both white and Black friends at the time. Prior to the rebellion, Plainfield was a regional shopping and entertainment center. Residents of nearby Union, Middlesex and Somerset counties would drive to shop and explore the business districts of Plainfield. Other than during

513-497: A place to call home for the 19th and 20th century wealthy has led to a significant and preserved suburban architectural legacy. An influx of Wall Street money led to the creation of what was called Millionaires' Row after the opening of the railway in the 19th century. There are numerous sites, including homes, parks, and districts in the city that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places . While not listed,

570-403: A series of events. Nearby, Shiloh Baptist Church was founded in 1908, also by Mount Olive congregants, and offers many faith-based events to the community, including its Jazz for Jesus program. The West End has been eyed recently for redevelopment. The White Star, a diner in the West End on West Front Street near Green Brook Park, has been an area meeting spot and landmark for over half

627-606: Is a city in Union County , in the U.S. state of New Jersey . Nicknamed "The Queen City", it serves as both a regional hub for Central New Jersey and a bedroom suburb of the New York Metropolitan area , located in the Raritan Valley region . As of the 2020 United States census , the city's population, majority Latino for the first time, was 54,586. This was an increase of 4,778 (+9.6%) from

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684-652: Is now majority Hispanic for the first time, as of the 2020 census. The 2010 United States census counted 49,808 people, 15,180 households, and 10,884 families in the city. The population density was 8,270.1 per square mile (3,193.1/km ). There were 16,621 housing units at an average density of 2,759.8 per square mile (1,065.6/km ). The racial makeup was 23.54% (11,724) White , 50.20% (25,006) Black or African American , 0.91% (455) Native American , 0.95% (474) Asian , 0.05% (26) Pacific Islander , 20.13% (10,024) from other races , and 4.21% (2,099) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 40.37% (20,105) of

741-402: Is reputed to be the vantage point from which Washington watched British troop movements. The "Queen City" moniker arose in the second half of the 19th century. Plainfield had been developing a reputation during this period as featuring a climate that was beneficial for respiratory ailments. In 1886, in an effort to publicize the climate, local newspaper publisher Thomas W. Morrison began to use

798-518: Is the birthplace and/or home of several current and former athletes, including professionals and well-known amateurs. Included in their number are Milt Campbell , the 1956 Olympic Decathlon gold medalist (the first African-American to earn this title), Joe Black, the first African-American pitcher to win a World Series game, Jeff Torborg, former MLB player, coach and manager, former Duke University and Chicago Bull basketball player Jay Williams, and Vic Washington, NFL player. Plainfield's history as

855-590: The 16th Light Dragoons , a battalion from the Brigade of Guards , and the Loyalist provincial unit of Queen's Rangers . The second column was under the command of Major General John Vaughan , who was accompanied by General Howe, and consisted of jäger companies from Hesse-Kassel and Ansbach-Bayreuth and battalions of British light infantry and grenadiers. The column of General Cornwallis marched for Woodbridge, and that of Vaughan marched toward Bonhamton. As

912-565: The 2000 United States census of 2000, there were 47,829 people, 15,137 households, and 10,898 families residing in the city. The population density was 7,921.7 people per square mile (3,058.6 people/km ). There were 16,180 housing units at an average density of 2,679.8 per square mile (1,034.7/km ). The racial makeup of the city was 21.45% White , 61.78% African American , 0.41% Native American , 0.93% Asian , 0.10% Pacific Islander , 10.78% from other races , and 4.55% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 25.16% of

969-463: The 2010 census count of 49,808, which in turn reflected an increase of 1,979 (+4.1%) from the 47,829 counted in the 2000 census . In 2023, the Census Bureau estimated the city's population to be 54,670. The area of present-day Plainfield was originally formed as Plainfield Township , a township that was created on April 5, 1847, from portions of Westfield Township , while the area

1026-672: The American Revolutionary War . Despite the name, no fighting occurred in modern-day Short Hills , a section of Millburn . In mid-June General Howe marched most of his army into central New Jersey in an attempt to lure George Washington 's Continental Army to where it might be better attacked than its defensive position in the Watchung Mountains . When Washington refused to abandon his position, Howe returned to Amboy on June 22. Washington's forward divisions, including that of Lord Stirling, shadowed this British movement, and Washington moved his main army out of

1083-564: The Battle of Trenton on December 26, 1776, and eventually regained control of most of New Jersey. Both armies then settled into winter quarters and engaged in a war of skirmishes during the winter months of early 1777. General Howe spent the winter planning a campaign to capture the seat of the rebel Congress , Philadelphia . The constant skirmishing throughout the winter had taken its toll on his troops stationed in New Jersey, and even

1140-552: The British forces of Lieutenant General William Howe withdrew from Boston after Major General George Washington fortified high ground threatening the city and its harbor. With the army augmented by reinforcements from Europe, General Howe captured New York City and forced Washington to retreat all the way across New Jersey . At the end of 1776, Washington crossed the Delaware River and defeated Hessian forces at

1197-726: The National Register of Historic Places . Events such as the Christmas Tree Lighting, the Queen City 5k, Fire Safety Fair, and Mayor's Wellness Walk take place in the Downtown each year. Downtown Plainfield Alliance (DPA) is a "nonpolitical, nonprofit grassroots group that supports the improvement of Downtown Plainfield through beautification, volunteerism, economic development, marketing, community development, and activism." The restoration of large 19th century-era Plainfield estates to their original glory, such as

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1254-490: The Plainfield Armory , a prominent landmark completed in 1932, was sold by the state in 2013 as surplus property. Plainfield's wealthy northeast corner, known as the "Sleepy Hollow" section of the city, was and still is characterized by its array of finely landscaped streets and neighborhoods with homes defined by a broad array of architectural styles, most built during the first half of the twentieth century. From

1311-501: The Scotch Plains area north of New Brunswick, to cover his left flank and to harass the British. Stirling's command, numbering about 2,500, comprised William Maxwell 's New Jersey brigade, Thomas Conway 's Pennsylvania brigade, Daniel Morgan 's Corps of Riflemen and Ottendorf's Corps . Maxwell's brigade consisted of the 1st to the 4th New Jersey Continentals and Oliver Spencer's Additional Regiment , and Conway's consisted of

1368-682: The 2nd New Jersey: Captain Ephraim Anderson was killed and Captain James Lawrie captured. An area of the battlefield, encompassing about 300 acres (120 ha) in Edison Township, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2014. The area includes portions of the municipal land, as well as a part of the Plainfield Country Club. Edison's Oak Tree Pond Park is used as a re-enactment site of

1425-492: The 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 12th Pennsylvania Continentals. Ottendorf's Corps was named for its principal recruiter, the German mercenary Nicholas Dietrich, Baron de Ottendorf , but was commanded by Charles Armand , a French soldier of fortune who was given its command in May 1777 after Ottendorf had abruptly left the army. Howe took advantage of Washington's movement and launched a sudden attack against Lord Stirling's position that

1482-666: The Americans suffered 100 killed and wounded, and both sides acknowledged the American loss of three cannons, and the capture of 70 men. Ottendorf's Corps, who had formed Stirling's advance guard appear to have been hardest hit: out of 80 men, 32 were killed or captured. Colonel Israel Shreve, the commander of the 2nd New Jersey Regiment wrote on July 6, 1777 that Maxwell's Brigade "had 12 killed and about 20 wounded and as many taken prisoners...." He also noted in his journal, "We had between 20 & 30 Wounded... mostly slightly Except 3 or 4...." Two officers are recorded as having been lost in

1539-518: The City of Plainfield subject to the approval of a referendum by voters in both municipalities. Plainfield is the birthplace of P-Funk . George Clinton founded The Parliaments while working in a Plainfield barber shop. Parliament-Funkadelic was inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. Plainfield has been home to former New Jersey governor James McGreevey . In sports history, Plainfield

1596-459: The Craig Marsh home, has been featured in various home design magazine coverage. Residential districts include: While the more affluent eastern part of the city has been relatively integrated over the decades, with both Black and white upper-middle-class-to-wealthy families, the West End of Plainfield is the historically middle-class and working-class Black district in the city and features

1653-406: The average family size was 3.49. In the city the population was spread out, with 27.5% under the age of 18, 10.2% from 18 to 24, 32.6% from 25 to 44, 20.5% from 45 to 64, and 9.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.2 males. The median income for a household in the city

1710-486: The battle is considered a strategic victory for the Americans. The British, after spending the night at Westfield, returned to their post at Perth Amboy and had completely evacuated New Jersey by June 30. In mid-July, Howe embarked much of his army on transports and sailed off toward Philadelphia, unknown to Washington. A local tale arose in Westfield about an encounter between General Cornwallis and "Aunt Betty" Frazee,

1767-885: The company in 1914 and renamed it the Dana Corporation in 1946. Production of universal joints was moved to a new plant in Toledo, Ohio, between 1926 and 1928. The plant in South Plainfield was sold in 1930 and subsequently occupied by a number of different manufacturers, most recently Cornell Dubilier Electronics, Inc. The plant was documented by the Historic American Engineering Record in 2006 prior to its demolition in 2007-08. 40°34′35″N 74°24′44″W  /  40.57639°N 74.41222°W  / 40.57639; -74.41222 Plainfield, New Jersey Plainfield

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1824-466: The hills Howe seized the opportunity and on June 26 marched two columns of troops out in an attempt to cut Washington off from the high ground. The troops skirmished with Lord Stirling's troops and eventually engaged in a pitched battle in Scotch Plains. Stirling's outnumbered force retreated, but Washington, alerted to the British movement, had by then retreated to the hills. In March 1776

1881-404: The hills, and on June 19, Howe began the march back to Perth Amboy, which he reached on June 22 after he had completely evacuated New Brunswick. After refusing to fall for Howe's trap, Washington followed the retreating British, brought his army down from Middlebrook to Quibbletown , and sent a strong forward detachment under Brigadier General William Alexander also known as "Lord Stirling," to

1938-674: The holidays, peak shopping times Plainfield were Thursday nights and Saturday, when Front Street and the areas around it bustled. Plainfield had several entertainment venues at that time. At the peak, there were four operating movie theaters: the Strand, the Liberty, the Paramount and the Oxford theaters. Manufacturers of heavy goods included Chelsea Fan Corp., Mack Truck and National Starch and Chemical Corp. Plainfield Iron and Metal maintained

1995-734: The long-time perception of Plainfield as a stronghold of gay life and gay community in the suburbs of New Jersey. Battle of Short Hills [REDACTED]   Great Britain [REDACTED] Sir William Howe [REDACTED] Lord Cornwallis The Battle of the Short Hills (also known as the Battle of Metuchen Meetinghouse and other names) was a conflict between a Continental Army force commanded by Brigadier General William Alexander ("Lord Stirling"), and an opposing British force commanded by Lieutenant General William Howe . The battle took place on June 26, 1777, at Scotch Plains and Edison , New Jersey , during

2052-595: The manufacture of chemicals , clothing , electronic equipment, and vehicular parts. Among the several 18th-century buildings remaining are a Friends' meetinghouse (1788), the Martine house (1717), and the Nathaniel Drake House (1746), known as George Washington 's headquarters during the Battle of Short Hills in June 1777. Nearby Washington Rock is a prominent point of the Watchung Mountains and

2109-625: The northwest. Plainfield is in the Raritan Valley , a line of cities in central New Jersey, and lies on the east side of the Raritan Valley along with Edison. The Robinson's Branch of the Rahway River additionally flows through Plainfield en route to the Robinson's Branch Reservoir . Plainfield has a humid continental climate , characterized by brisk to cold winters and hot, muggy summers. The lowest temperature ever recorded

2166-434: The population were under the age of 18, 10.5% from 18 to 24, 30.7% from 25 to 44, 23.5% from 45 to 64, and 9.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33.3 years. For every 100 females, the population had 101.3 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 100.4 males. The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income

2223-411: The population. There were 15,137 households, out of which 35.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.3% were married couples living together, 24.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.0% were non-families. 21.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.10 and

2280-419: The population. Of the 15,180 households, 35.2% had children under the age of 18; 37.9% were married couples living together; 24.1% had a female householder with no husband present and 28.3% were non-families. Of all households, 21.3% were made up of individuals and 7.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.23 and the average family size was 3.60. 25.8% of

2337-571: The program an "abject failure", vetoed a compromise bill that would have extended the status for two years. In May 2018, Governor Phil Murphy signed a law that reinstated the program in these five cities and extended the expiration date in other zones. Downtown Plainfield has two historic commercial districts: the North Avenue Commercial District and the Plainfield Civic District . Both are on

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2394-542: The remainder becoming Fanwood Township (now known as Scotch Plains ). The name "Plainfield", also used in both North Plainfield and South Plainfield , is derived from a local estate or from its scenic location. Plainfield was settled in 1684 by Quakers , and incorporated as a city in 1869. Formerly a bedroom suburb in the New York metropolitan area , it has become the urban center of 10 closely allied municipalities, with diversified industries, including printing and

2451-600: The roads along the Raritan River to New Brunswick . Washington's intelligence reports indicated that Howe had left behind equipment needed for crossing the Delaware River and was unlikely to be heading for Philadelphia. Washington, as a precautionary measure, called out the militia in southern New Jersey. On June 14, Howe's army marched again toward Somerset Court House (present-day Millstone ). Apparently seeking to draw Washington into battle on open terrain, Howe remained there five days. Washington refused to move out of

2508-607: The slogan "Colorado of the East" to promote Plainfield. As Denver, Colorado, was known as the "Queen City of the Plains," the slogan for Plainfield eventually became abbreviated to "The Queen City." In 1902, the New Jersey Legislature approved measures that would have allowed the borough of North Plainfield to become part of Union County (a measure repealed in 1903) and to allow for a merger of North Plainfield with

2565-434: The southwestern edge of Union County and is bordered by nine municipalities. In Union County are Scotch Plains to the north and east and Fanwood to the northeast. In Middlesex County , are South Plainfield and Piscataway to the south; Dunellen to the southwest and Edison to the southeast. In Somerset County , Green Brook Township lies to the northwest, North Plainfield lies to the north and Watchung borders to

2622-548: The tree-lines neighborhoods, it can be seen that the lot sizes vary, but the stateliness and distinction of each house is evident, whether a stately Queen Anne mansion or gingerbread cottage. Most lots are nicely landscaped and semi or fully private. Plainfield was affected by the Plainfield Rebellion in July 1967. This civil disturbance occurred in the wake of the larger Newark riots . A Plainfield police officer

2679-519: The two columns moved on roughly parallel paths through the Short Hills area, they came into contact with Stirling's guards, and a running skirmish began, with the Americans firing on the British from the underbrush as they fell back. The retreating Americans led both of the armies into the Ash Swamp and Scotch Plains areas, where Stirling prepared a defensive position. Severe cannon fire and strength of British numbers forced Stirling, as determined as he

2736-407: Was $ 46,683, and the median income for a family was $ 50,774. Males had a median income of $ 33,460 versus $ 30,408 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 19,052. About 12.2% of families and 15.9% of the population were below the poverty line , including 21.3% of those under age 18 and 12.6% of those age 65 or over. Portions of Plainfield are part of an Urban Enterprise Zone . The city

2793-427: Was $ 52,056 (with a margin of error of +/− $ 3,048) and the median family income was $ 58,942 (+/− $ 4,261). Males had a median income of $ 33,306 (+/− $ 4,132) versus $ 37,265 (+/− $ 3,034) for females. The per capita income for the borough was $ 23,767 (+/− $ 1,013). About 12.2% of families and 16.8% of the population were below the poverty line , including 23.5% of those under age 18 and 16.0% of those age 65 or over. As of

2850-599: Was Captain The Honourable John Finch of the Guards Light Infantry. He had been to the forefront of the attack and, at one point, called out to Lord Stirling, "Come here, you damned rebel, and I will do for you!" Stirling's response was to instruct four marksmen to concentrate their fire upon the captain. Finch soon received a wound, from which he died three days later. The American casualties are not fully known. The British claimed that

2907-436: Was killed, about fifty people were injured, and several hundred thousand dollars of property was damaged by looting and arson. The New Jersey National Guard restored order after three days of unrest. This civil unrest caused a massive white flight , characterized by the percentage of Black residents rising from 40% in 1970 to 60% a decade later. Author and Plainfield native Isaiah Tremaine published Insurrection in 2017 as

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2964-496: Was meant to devastate Stirling's forces. Howe cut off Washington's retreat to Middlebrook and engage the Americans in a pitched battle on relatively open terrain. At 1:00 a.m. on June 26, Howe marched two columns of troops out of Perth Amboy. The first column, under the command of Lieutenant General Charles Cornwallis , consisted of several companies of Hessian jägers ; three battalions of Hessian and one of British grenadiers; mounted Hessian chasseurs ; and some British dragoons from

3021-670: Was once home to the Silk Palace, a barbershop at 216 Plainfield Avenue owned in part by funk music legend George Clinton , staffed by various members of Parliament-Funkadelic , and known as the "hangout for all the local singers and musicians" in Plainfield's 1950s and 1960s doo-wop , soul, rock and proto-funk music scene. In 2022, the city of Plainfield renamed a section of Plainfield Avenue, from its intersection with Front Street to its intersection with West Fifth Street, as "Parliament Funkadelic Way" in honor of its musical history. A sizable and diverse LGBTQ+ community contributes to

3078-737: Was selected in 1983 as one of the initial group of 10 zones chosen to participate in the program. In addition to other benefits to encourage employment within the Zone, shoppers can take advantage of a reduced 3.3125% sales tax rate (half of the 6 + 5 ⁄ 8 % rate charged statewide) at eligible merchants. Established in January 1986, the city's Urban Enterprise Zone status expires in December 2023. The UEZ program in Plainfield and four other original UEZ cities had been allowed to lapse as of January 1, 2017, after Governor Chris Christie , who called

3135-531: Was still part of Essex County . On March 19, 1857, Plainfield Township became part of the newly created Union County. Plainfield was incorporated as a city by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on April 21, 1869, from portions of Plainfield Township, based on the results of a referendum held that same day. The city and township coexisted until March 6, 1878, when Plainfield Township was dissolved and parts were absorbed by Plainfield city, with

3192-612: Was to stand against them, to retreat even farther back toward Westfield , where the British, suffering under the extreme heat of the day, ended the pursuit, and Stirling fell back in good order toward the post at Middlebrook. A messenger had alerted Washington to Howe's proximity and prompted Washington into precipitately withdrawing to a more secure position farther in the hills. Later in the day, Howe arrived to inspect Washington's lines and adjudged them too strong to attack. Because Stirling's resistance may have provided Washington with enough time to manage his withdrawal to more secure ground,

3249-497: Was −17 °F (−27 °C) on February 9, 1934, and the highest temperature ever recorded was 106 °F (41 °C) on July 10, 1936, and August 11, 1949. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Plainfield has a humid subtropical climate , which is abbreviated as "Cfa" on climate maps. Plainfield has seen a rapid rise in its Latino community in recent decades. The city's population

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