Westfield's unique character has evolved over almost three centuries. Its origins date from the 1720s when it was first occupied as farmland (the fields west of Elizabethtown). In 1863 a railroad bridge was built across Newark Bay and Westfield began to grow in earnest. Established by Ordinance in 1985, the Westfield Historic Preservation Commission is an official agency of the town whose members are appointed by the mayor. The Commission has three essential functions: survey, guide and educate. Commission meetings are held the third Monday of every month in the Municipal Building and are open to the public.