On March 14, 1867, the NJ Legislature approved an Act creating the “ Township of Kearny”, an area that already had played a substantial part in the early history of NJ.

The 9.3 square mile area of this new Township had been part of the original Crown Grant of 30,000 acres obtained by Major William Sandford of Barbadoes Island on July 4, 1668. Major Sandford named it “New Barbadoes Neck” after his old home. As was the custom of the times, the Major paid Chief Tantaqua of the Hackensack Indians 20 English Pounds Sterling for all their reserve rights and titles. It would seem these transactions made Major Sandford Kearny’s first citizen and founder.

The Town of Kearny is a vibrant and prosperous residential, commercial and educational community with citizens working cooperatively to revitalize the Town. The Town has safe and harmonious neighborhoods; a clean, attractive and healthy natural environment; efficient public facilities and services; visually pleasing, pedestrian-oriented streetscapes; a true Town Center downtown; mixed-use commercial areas; and convenient transportation systems.