[20] The township was the first in the country to be named for Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, the French general and statesman who served in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.

[21][22][23] The Lafayette Village Historic District is a 31.5-acre (12.7 ha) historic district encompassing the village of Lafayette along NJ 15, Morris Farm Road and Meadows Road.

It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 15, 2013 for its significance in architecture, exploration/settlement, industry, and transportation.

[26] The Lafayette Foundry was built where Morris Farm Road crosses the Paulins Kill in 1836 by Alexander Boyles.

The Lafayette Mill Complex on Morris Farm Road includes a flour and gristmill, storehouse and distillery on the south side; a general store and playhouse on the north side.

[1][2] Unincorporated communities, localities and place names located partially or completely within the township include Branchville Junction, Harmonyvale, Hopkins Corner, Warbasse and Warbasse Junction.

[29][30] The 2010 United States census counted 2,538 people, 875 households, and 721 families in the township.

[41] As of the 2000 United States census[14] there were 2,300 people, 771 households, and 647 families residing in the township.

[6][43] At an annual reorganization meeting, the Township Committee selects one of its members to serve as Mayor.

[49][50][51] For the 119th United States Congress, New Jersey's 5th congressional district is represented by Josh Gottheimer (D, Wyckoff).

[54] For the 2024-2025 session, the 24th legislative district of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in the State Senate by Parker Space (R, Wantage Township) and in the General Assembly by Dawn Fantasia (R, Franklin) and Mike Inganamort (R, Chester Township).

At an annual reorganization meeting held in the beginning of January, the board selects a Commissioner Director and Deputy Director from among its members, with day-to-day supervision of the operation of the county delegated to a County Administrator.

[66] Among the township's 2010 Census population, 68.5% (vs. 65.8% in Sussex County) were registered to vote, including 89.4% of those ages 18 and over (vs. 86.5% countywide).

The two routes run concurrently in opposite directions for a short stretch in Lafayette Township.

People who were born in, residents of, or otherwise closely associated with Lafayette Township include: