Traditionally a farming community, Franklin Township has grown into a rapidly expanding suburban municipality shaped by significant development throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Today it is recognized for its vibrant diversity—home to residents of many races, religions, and cultures. In 2008, the township was ranked #5 on Money magazine’s list of America’s Top 100 Best Places to Live.
Early History
Franklin Township’s origins trace to around 1745, when the area was established as the Eastern Precinct. The township was officially incorporated on February 21, 1798, as one of New Jersey’s original 104 townships. Over time, parts of Franklin contributed to the formation of neighboring communities, including South Bound Brook (incorporated separately in 1907) and East Millstone (established in 1873 and reabsorbed into Franklin in 1949).
Revolutionary War Significance
Franklin Township played a meaningful role in the Revolutionary War. Route 27—then the King’s Highway—served as a corridor for raids and troop movements. British generals Cornwallis and DeHeister attempted to draw General George Washington into battle across the plains of Middlebush and East Millstone, though Washington kept his forces positioned at Chimney Rock until the British withdrew, burning several Middlebush farms during their retreat.
In 1777, Continental soldiers and local militia repelled a British foraging party at the mill on the Millstone River at Weston. Later, on November 2, 1783, Washington wrote his farewell address to the army while staying at Rockingham near Rocky Hill.
Canal Era and Industrial Growth
The construction of the Delaware and Raritan Canal in the 1830s spurred major economic growth. Stretching 22 miles and linking New York City and Philadelphia, the canal transported up to 200,000 tons of goods annually by the 1860s. Although railroads eventually eclipsed canal transport, the corridor is preserved today as the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park.
Rail transportation also played a key role in the township’s development. The Millstone and New Brunswick Railroad (M&NB), opened in 1854 and operated by the Pennsylvania Railroad, carried both passengers and freight between New Brunswick and East Millstone. Portions of the line remain active as the Conrail Millstone Secondary Branch.
Historic Landmarks
Franklin Township is home to an extensive collection of parks, greenways, and preserved lands that highlight its commitment to conservation and recreation.
Early History
Franklin Township’s origins trace to around 1745, when the area was established as the Eastern Precinct. The township was officially incorporated on February 21, 1798, as one of New Jersey’s original 104 townships. Over time, parts of Franklin contributed to the formation of neighboring communities, including South Bound Brook (incorporated separately in 1907) and East Millstone (established in 1873 and reabsorbed into Franklin in 1949).
Revolutionary War Significance
Franklin Township played a meaningful role in the Revolutionary War. Route 27—then the King’s Highway—served as a corridor for raids and troop movements. British generals Cornwallis and DeHeister attempted to draw General George Washington into battle across the plains of Middlebush and East Millstone, though Washington kept his forces positioned at Chimney Rock until the British withdrew, burning several Middlebush farms during their retreat.
In 1777, Continental soldiers and local militia repelled a British foraging party at the mill on the Millstone River at Weston. Later, on November 2, 1783, Washington wrote his farewell address to the army while staying at Rockingham near Rocky Hill.
Canal Era and Industrial Growth
The construction of the Delaware and Raritan Canal in the 1830s spurred major economic growth. Stretching 22 miles and linking New York City and Philadelphia, the canal transported up to 200,000 tons of goods annually by the 1860s. Although railroads eventually eclipsed canal transport, the corridor is preserved today as the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park.
Rail transportation also played a key role in the township’s development. The Millstone and New Brunswick Railroad (M&NB), opened in 1854 and operated by the Pennsylvania Railroad, carried both passengers and freight between New Brunswick and East Millstone. Portions of the line remain active as the Conrail Millstone Secondary Branch.
Historic Landmarks
- Van Wickle House (1722): Built by Dutch settlers near the canal in the Somerset section of the township. Owned by Franklin Township and leased to the Meadows Foundation, it sits adjacent to Rutgers Preparatory School and a Revolutionary War–era cemetery.
- Rockingham: Former temporary residence of George Washington, where he drafted his 1783 farewell address.
- East Millstone Historic District: Reflects the township’s 19th-century industrial and canal-era heritage.
Franklin Township is home to an extensive collection of parks, greenways, and preserved lands that highlight its commitment to conservation and recreation.
- William L. Hutcheson Memorial Forest: A 500-acre natural preserve administered by Rutgers University, featuring a 65-acre virgin old-growth forest designated as a National Natural Landmark. Located at 2150 Amwell Road, the site is one of the region’s most important ecological resources.
- Colonial Park: A major Somerset County park spanning 685.5 acres near East Millstone. Features include: Arboretum (144 acres), Rose Garden (All-America Rose Selections display garden), Perennial and Fragrance & Sensory Gardens, Spooky Brook Golf Course and Paddle boating, fishing ponds, a dog park, tennis center, playground, fitness parcourse, and extensive walking/biking trails
- Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park: Bordering the township’s northern and western edges, the canal and towpath offer more than 40 miles of opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and boating. Access points are available at most roadway crossings, as well as from Colonial Park and the Van Wickle House.
- John W. Flemer Preserve (Kingston):
A 7.4-acre preserve along the east bank of the canal with a two-mile trail connecting to the towpath for extended hikes.- Negri-Nepote Native Grassland Preserve:
A 164-acre preserve in the Somerset section of the township with more than three miles of trails, bird boxes, interpretive signage, and a 2.5-acre wetland that attracts migratory wildlife.- Ten Mile Run Greenway:
A 684-acre greenway extending more than four miles between Canal Road in Griggstown and South Middlebush Road in Franklin Park. It includes: - Bunker Hill Natural Area: Forest, meadows, and Ten Mile Run stream corridor
- Catalpa Farm: Field-edge and woodland trails
- Environmental Education Center: Graeber Woods, nature trail, renovated “Glass House,” and adventure course
- Griggstown Native Grassland Preserve: Over six miles of trails and extensive forest and grassland habitats