Support Franklin Chamber of Commerce's Mission

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Franklin Township in Somerset County, New Jersey, is a community rich in Revolutionary War history and shaped by its unique geography along the Raritan River. It is known for being highly diverse, with a mix of suburban and rural landscapes.

• Naming Mystery: There is no conclusive document proving whether the town was named after William Franklin (the last Royal Governor of NJ) or his father, Benjamin Franklin. In 2000, the Township Council officially chose to espouse the theory that it was named after Benjamin Franklin.
• Revolutionary War Hub: The area was a frequent site of activity during the Revolution. British Generals Cornwallis and DeHeister attempted to lure George Washington into battle on the plains of Middlebush.
• Washington’s Farewell: In 1783, George Washington delivered his farewell address to the American armies from a location in Little Rocky Hill.
• Early Settlement: The area was largely influenced by Dutch settlers who arrived around 1650, trading with the Raritan Indians for land.

• The Delaware-Raritan Canal: Completed in 1834, 22 miles of this historic waterway run through the township. While it once hauled up to 200,000 tons of freight annually, it is now a primary source of drinking water and a major center for recreation within the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park.
• Diverse Communities: The township is composed of several distinct sections, including Somerset, Middlebush, East Millstone, Franklin Park, Little Rocky Hill, Griggstown, and Kingston.
• Location: It is uniquely positioned as a "bridge" between the urban centers of New Brunswick and the more rural parts of Somerset County, bordered largely by the Raritan River and Route 27 (formerly known as the King's Highway).

• Mission: The municipal government operates under a mission to provide cost-effective services through a democratic process, with a heavy emphasis on celebrating community diversity.
• Public Services: The township maintains its own Water Utility and offers extensive Recreation programs and Senior Services.