1-12-2024 10:31pm

History Buff News: Knox-Porter Resolution: A Piece of History Signed in Raritan Borough, NJ

Donnella Tilery Editor

Did you know that a significant historical document, the Knox-Porter Resolution, was signed right here in our beloved borough? This resolution played a crucial role in shaping post-World War I diplomacy, and its roots lie deep in Raritan's history.Councilman Adam Armahizer, alongside the dedicated efforts of Somerset County Commissioner Melonie Marano is currently working tirelessly to bring this piece of our heritage back home. The Knox-Porter Resolution, currently housed in the US Government Archives, holds immense significance for our community.The resolution, signed in the aftermath of World War I, officially ended US involvement the First World war and laid the groundwork for the United States' formal peace with Germany. Raritan Borough had the honor of being the place where this historic document was signed.Councilman Adam Armahizer and Commissioner Melonie Marano are spearheading the initiative to have the Knox-Porter Resolution returned to Raritan Borough. Their dedication to preserving our local history reflects a deep commitment to our community's heritage and identity.As we navigate the complexities of this endeavor, let us take pride in the rich history embedded in our town. The Knox-Porter Resolution serves as a testament to Raritan's role in shaping global events.Stay tuned for updates on this significant journey, and let us continue to celebrate the unique history that makes Raritan Borough truly special.

The Treaty of Raritan, otherwise known as the Knox-Porter Joint Resolution, (42 Stat. 105) was a joint resolution of the United States Congress signed by President Warren G. Harding on July 2, 1921, officially ending the United States involvement in World War I. The documents were signed on the estate of U.S. Senator Joseph S. Frelinghuysen, Sr. right here in Raritan, New Jersey. Harding and Senator Frehlinghuysen were playing golf at the Raritan Valley Country Club across the street when word arrived that a courier was on his way from the Raritan train station, having traveled from Washington with the signing copy of the resolution. Harding walked back to the estate and signed the document, and then returned to complete his round of golf. The Knox-Porter Joint Resolution terminated the state of war between the Imperial German Government and the United States of America and between the Imperial and Royal Austro-Hungarian Government and the United States of America. At the site, located near the Somerville circle off of Route 28, now sits a Burger King and a memorial plaque.Extensive historical research was needed to determine the documents current location. The event and the personnel involved had to be assessed and the legislative procedures /internal conflicts of the time period had to be taken into consideration. Many locals said the document was no longer in existence- some believed the document had been destroyed in a fire at Senator Frelinghuysen’s estate in 1950’s, and others said the resolution would likely be in the State Archives. Throughout all of my research, I could not find a copy or scan of the actual document anywhere I looked. Nobody had ever really seen the document itself. I reached out to Bruce Doorly, the local history junky, who did not respond to my requests for assistance. I reached out to some of our County’s Preservation Planners, who assisted me in contacting the New Jersey State Archives. The State Archives didn’t have the documents. I then reached out to the Center for Legislative Archives in Washington, D.C., as I was certain they would have more information that could help me in my pursuits. Adam Barenbak, an archivist working with the Center for Legislative Archives, sent me a copy of the Committee Report from the April prior which laid out the nitty-gritty of the resolution. Mr. Barenbak then referred me to the collection which he believed the document that President Harding signed was most likely located. I contacted the General Records of the US Government (Record Group 11). Jane Fitzgerald, an archivist with the Archives 1 Reference Branch (apart the National Archives and Records Administration) in Washington, DC, was able to locate the document within Record Group 11, in the series entitled "Enrolled Acts and Resolutions of Congress, 1789-2014". The document had been microfilmed as part of National Archives Microfilm Publication M3126 (Engrossed Acts and Resolutions of Congress, 1893-1956; the pictures attached are scans found on roll 59 of the publication. After physically examining the document, Mrs. Fitzgerald informed me that it appears there was an issue with the pen ink or that a drop of water had landed on Hardings signature during the signing - on the original document, the blot is a light gray in color. Im proud to announce that after more than 102 years since the resolutions signing- the signed Treaty of Raritan (commonly referred to as the Knox-Porter Joint Resolution) which formally ended the United States involvement in WWI, has come back to light and come back to Raritan. The three-page signed resolution includes the signatures of President Warren G. Harding and Vice President Calvin Coolidge- who later served 6 years as President of the United States following Hardings heart attack in August of 1923. The document which formally ended World War I also included TWO Presidential signatures. This event, and frankly this document, represents arguably the most historically significant event to ever occur on Raritan Borough soil. I am extremely proud to have executed this retrieval, and hopefully we can bring back the real Treaty of Raritan to the Borough one day! I do believe we have a birthright, and if nothing else, a replica would be pretty cool too. Below you can see the signed resolution for the first time.

Source: Raritan Democrats / Adam Armahizer