West Orange, town, Essex County, northeastern New Jersey, bordering the Watchung Mountains; incorporated 1900. Located near Newark, it is a residential center with some industry, including the manufacture of chemicals and medical supplies. West Orange is the site of Edison National Historic Site, which includes a laboratory of the inventor Thomas A. Edison and Glenmont, Edison's home from 1887 until his death in 1931. Also of interest here is Turtle Back Zoo. The community was part of Orange until 1862. Population 39,510 (1980); 39,103 (1990); 39,103 (1996 estimate).
