Township of Franklin, NJ
Home Menu
Franklin 250
Where the First Celebration Lit the Sky
Commemorating America’s 250th Anniversary in Franklin Township, Somerset County, NJ
As the United States prepares to celebrate 250 years of independence in 2026, Franklin Township invites residents, visitors, and history lovers to join us in commemorating the revolutionary spirit that helped build our nation — starting right here, where on July 4, 1778, a thunderous feu de joie and cannon fire lit the sky over the Raritan River during the nation’s first official Independence Day celebration.
Franklin Township will commemorate key milestones in American history spanning from the signing of the Declaration of Independence to General George Washington’s Farewell Orders to the Continental Army. These local and national moments reflect the enduring legacy of liberty, sacrifice, and unity that shaped both our community and the nation.
Franklin 250 Committee Chair - Bob LaCorte
Email- Franklin250@franklinnj.gov
📍Franklin Township: A National “Victory Town”
Franklin is proud to be recognized as one of fewer than 200 Victory Towns in the nation — communities that witnessed the historic 700-mile march of American and French troops to Yorktown, Virginia, in 1781. This trail, known as the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route, surrounds Franklin’s borders and is a powerful reminder of the town’s place in securing America’s freedom.
In 2026, Franklin and other Victory Towns will "party like it's 1781" — marking their unique roles in the story of America's founding through public events, educational experiences, and historic preservation.
(L-R) Richard Onderko of Manville, Charlie Carley of South Brunswick, Patricia Farmer of Lawrence, Robert Uhrik of Rocky Hill, Phil Kramer of Franklin, and Ray Heck of Millstone Borough.
(Courtesy of The National Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route Association)
Franklin 250-Conference on Horseback: A Revolutionary Experience
- Date: 01/04/2026 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM
- Location: Presbyterian Church Cemetery
4565 NJ-27
Kingston, New Jersey - Introduction: DON’T JUST READ HISTORY – LIVE IT!
Experience three pieces of history in one day!!
Conference on Horseback
A Revolutionary Experience
Sunday, January 4, 2026
Presented by the Millstone Valley Preservation Coalition
DON’T JUST READ HISTORY – LIVE IT!
Experience three pieces of history in one day!!
⚔️The Battle of Princeton
The Battle of Princeton erupts at Princeton Battlefield State Park. Musket volleys, shouted commands, and Washington’s daring triumph unfold on the very ground where the Revolution turned. Presented by the Princeton Battlefield Society
Princeton Battlefield State Park
500 Mercer Rd, Princeton, NJ 08540
9:30 AM – Noon
$10 per adult, children free
Get your tickets today.
🍴Dine with Washington and his Officers
Dine like history’s elite at a colonial-inspired luncheon at Eno Terra, paired with Revolutionary wine, beer, and spirits crafted for this moment. Relive Washington’s legendary Conference on Horseback with reenactment moments woven right into your meal , the events of the day become the spices in every story.
Eno Terra Restaurant
4484 NJ-27, Kingston, NJ 08528
12:30 PM – 2 PM
$60.54-Tickets at Eventbrite
Includes hearty farm-to-table fare, Revolutionary-themed wines, and beer, and spirits
Event organized by Millstone Valley Preservation Coalition
Luncheon proceeds benefit the Millstone Valley Preservation Coalition’s 250th anniversary programs, in partnership with Franklin 250.
🐎The Conference on Horseback
Step outside and step back in time. Watch General Washington and his trusted advisors, Generals Greene and Sullivan, debate war strategy after their victory at Princeton, a crucial moment that happened in Franklin Township in 1777.
Church Street, Kingston (Near Presbyterian Church Cemetery)
2:30 PM
Free to the public
PARKING IS LIMITED:
- Mannat Restaurant (4591 NJ-27, Kingston) – Left side of lot along fence area
- Lot at 4438 NJ-27, Kingston
- Yinghua International School – 25 Laurel Avenue, Kingston
- Kingston Presbyterian Church (Parking available after 1:30pm) – 4565 NJ-27 Kingston
Sign up for Franklin 250 News and Events: SUBSCRIBE
To learn more about Franklin Township, register for free email alerts at franklintwpnj.org/subscribe or follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube.