Our Township is named after the Passaic River waterfall that once cascaded downstream from the dam in front of the Beattie Mill. To see what the falls looked like in 1890, when Union Ave. crossed the river via a covered bridge, take a look at the photo on the right side of the page. Little Falls' history dates back to 1711. The township covers 2.8 square miles and is home to approximately 15,000 residents. It is bordered by the communities of Montclair, Wayne, Cedar Grove, Woodland Park, Totowa, North Caldwell, Fairfield, and Clifton.
Though primarily residential, Little Falls has retained its small-town charm despite its strategic location within the tri-state metropolitan area. New York City is just 15 miles away, and Newark Liberty Airport is only 12 miles. Many residents enjoy the convenience of having local shopping, schools, and a variety of services within walking distance. The old Morris Canal, once a crucial trade and transportation route between the Delaware and Hudson Rivers, passed through the town. Its remnants serve as a reminder of Little Falls' rich history. Several well-preserved homes and structures from the past century further reflect the town’s pride in its heritage. For much of its history, the Beattie Carpet Mill was Little Falls' largest employer. Although the mill closed nearly thirty years ago, the historic buildings have been transformed into beautiful condominiums overlooking the river.
The quarrying of brownstone was another significant industry, and Little Falls brownstone has been used in notable buildings, including New York's Trinity Church. Today, the town's economy is centered around light industrial and office-based businesses, with some heavy industry still present. Many residents commute to work and enjoy excellent public transportation options, including frequent rail and bus services, as well as close access to major state and interstate highways.
Historically, Little Falls was governed by a Township Committee of five elected committeemen. The committee chose a chairman (Mayor) and deputy-chair (Deputy Mayor) annually. In 2005, following a public referendum, the township adopted a new government structure under the New Jersey Faulkner Act. The Mayor, elected by voters to a four-year term, is responsible for township administration, while the Township Council, with members elected to staggered four-year terms, handles legislative duties.
Little Falls has matured with grace, offering both long-time residents and newcomers the quality of life that makes suburban New Jersey an attractive place to live, work, and enjoy recreation.
