[19] The Lenape are the ancestral community indigenous to a large chunk of the Mid-Atlantic region, stretching from Eastern Pennsylvania to the Atlantic Ocean, and from Delaware to Southern New York.

It is suggested that the Lenape used Scotch Plains as a temporary camp in between the highly-utilized Delaware River and mountains to the West, and the Atlantic Ocean to the East.

[21] From the earliest periods of the Paleo-Indian (10,000-12,000 years ago) to the Archaic Period (4,000-10,000 years ago), there is evidence suggesting a high degree of mobile hunting in the rivers and woods around the Scotch Plains area, with spears, atlatls, and axe heads being found.

During the Woodland period (450-4,000 years ago), it was common for communities to make items such as dugout canoes and nets for fishing, two artifacts the Lenape have come to be known for, along with their shelter of choice, the wigwam.

The Lenni Lenape were significantly impacted by the establishment of colonies in the 17th century, with colonists taking up a large majority of land that had once been the living area of the community.

[26] A variety of treaties, conflicts, and migration have spread out the community, although a small group continue to live in their ancestral region, hoping to educate and bring to light their claims to the land, including Scotch Plains.

This was the home of Aunt Betty Frazee, whose retort to Lord Cornwallis led the British to find their bread from friendlier bakers in the same battle.

Fanwood Township was renamed as Scotch Plains on March 29, 1917, based on the results of a referendum held that same day.

Its pro, John Shippen, the first African-American golf professional, led the 1892 U.S. Open in the final round before finishing fifth.

[30] The Shady Rest clubhouse hosted Cab Calloway and other greats as a local center for African-American culture in the 1920s and 1930s.

[34][35][36] In recognition of this longstanding connection, the township established "Montazzoli Plaza" in October 2015 in front of the Italian American Club.

[38][39][40] Unincorporated communities, localities and place names located partially or completely within the township include Alton, Goodmans, Graceland, Two Bridges and Willow Grove.

[7][62][63] As of 2024[update], the mayor of Scotch Plains is Democrat Joshua G. Losardo, whose term of office expires on December 31, 2024.

Members of the Township Council are Deputy Mayor Ellen Zimmerman (D, 2024), Matthew S. Adams (D, 2026), Elizabeth Stamler (D, 2026), and Roshan "Roc" White (D, 2026).

[67] In April 2021, Matthew Adams was selected to fill Dahiya-Shah's seat, after she stepped down from office in March, citing "personal reasons".

[72] Prior to the 2010 Census, all of Scotch Plains had been part of the 7th Congressional District, a change made by the New Jersey Redistricting Commission that took effect in January 2013, based on the results of the November 2012 general elections.

[74][75] For the 119th United States Congress, New Jersey's 12th congressional district is represented by Bonnie Watson Coleman (D, Ewing Township).

[76][77] For the 119th United States Congress, New Jersey's 7th congressional district is represented by Thomas Kean Jr. (R, Westfield).

[79] For the 2024-2025 session, the 22nd legislative district of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in the State Senate by Nicholas Scutari (D, Linden) and in the General Assembly by Linda S. Carter (D, Plainfield) and James J. Kennedy (D, Rahway).

[81] As of 2025[update], Union County's County Commissioners are: Rebecca Williams (D, Plainfield, 2025),[82] Joesph Bodek (D, Linden, 2026),[83] James E. Baker Jr. (D, Rahway, 2027),[84] Michele Delisfort (D, Union Township, 2026),[85] Sergio Granados (D, Elizabeth, 2025),[86] Bette Jane Kowalski (D, Cranford, 2025),[87] Vice Chair Lourdes M. Leon (D, Elizabeth, 2026),[88] Alexander Mirabella (D, Fanwood, 2027)[89] and Chair Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded (D, Westfield, 2027).

[90][91] Constitutional officers elected on a countywide basis are: Clerk Joanne Rajoppi (D, Union Township, 2025),[92][93] Sheriff Peter Corvelli (D, Kenilworth, 2026)[94][95] and Surrogate Christopher E. Hudak (D, Clark, 2027).

[98] Among the township's 2010 Census population, 68.0% (vs. 53.3% in Union County) were registered to vote, including 91.7% of those ages 18 and over (vs. 70.6% countywide).

[125][126] Park Middle School was renamed in 2021 to honor Malcolm V. Nettingham, who had served with the Tuskegee Airmen.

The grouping of different schools is for vocational as well as gifted students, publicly funded by the combined taxes of Union County municipalities.

Scotch Plains is bisected by NJ Transit's Raritan Valley Line, formerly the mainline of the Central Railroad of New Jersey.

Scotch Plains also has access to Amtrak service, by taking the Raritan Valley Line to Newark Penn Station.