Wayne, New Jersey, is a historic city at the fringe of what's become the massively metropolitan New York-Jersey City-Newark megalopolis. Despite its close proximity to intense urban living, Wayne has maintained its old-school roots and slow pace of life.

This city of 55,000 was once a small Indian settlement before English surveyors arrived in 1694. During his explorations, Arent Schuyler discovered a fertile valley where the Indians grew their successful crops. After reporting back to his superiors, he convinced several prominent investors to purchase the land.

In the subsequent land deal, 5,000 acres were transferred in exchange for 250 English Pounds and some wampum (cigarette shells). By 1710, a settlement had been established as part of New Barbadoes in Essex County. Throughout the years leading past the Revolutioanry War, the township would change names and counties, until in 1847 the Wayne Township was established after General Anthony Wayne.

Wayne remained a prosperous agriculture and industrial town until the 20th century when the railroad brought in vacationers and New Yorkers looking for summer homes.

The brunt of Wayne's growth occured during WWII as people moved into the area to support war-related industries.