The Caldwells were settled in the 18th century and were revitalized a century later with the construction of Bloomfield Avenue, once a toll road that linked Newark with the western communities.

Caldwell is known most as the birthplace of Stephen Grover Cleveland, the country's 22nd and 24th president. Cleveland lived in Caldwell until he was 4 years old and his first home remains a historic site on Bloomfield Avenue.

Caldwell, with a population of 7,584 according to the 2000 census, has a mayor-council form of government headed by Mayor Susan Gartland. The council includes President Ann Dassing and members Gordon Lawshe, Joe Norton, Kay Slattery, Richard Hauser and Peter Murray.

Municipal departments include:

Department of Public Works: Director Mario BiFalco, 973-403-4640

Borough Construction Department: Paul Milani, construction official/code enforcement official, 973-403-4627; Anthony Marucci, borough engineer, 973-403-4628; Anthony Lardieri, plumbing subcode official, 973-403-4626; Greg Chontow, electrical subcode official, 973-403-4626; John D'Ascensio, fire subcode official, 973-403-4626 and Michael Rubin, zoning officer, 973-403-4626

Human Services Department: Maria Burak, director of human services and registrar of of vital statistics, 973-403-4623

Municipal Court: Marilyn Reeve, court director/administrator, 973-403-4630; Leanne O'Hern, deputy court administrator; Municipal Judge: Honorable Judge Garson; Prosecutor: Stephen Cannavale; Public Defender: Alexander Lee

Taxation Department: Rebecca Roth, tax collector, 973-403-6721; Jack Kelley, tax assesor, 973-226-6349; Colette Hassan, water and tax clerk, 973-226-6347

Wastewater Treatment Plant: Mike Patel, licensed plant operator, 973-575-0225; Edward Sandve, sewer director, 973-403-4635

Water Department: Bill Frint, licensed water operator, 973-226-6348; Rebecca Roth, water utility collector; Colette Hassan, water clerk

Health Department: Contact the department at 973-403-4623