LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim 2009 as the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial of the
great State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize events of
significance which exemplify the history and development of the State of
New York; and
WHEREAS, It is also the custom of this Legislative Body to celebrate
and commemorate the anniversary of the founding of the great State of
New York, noting its magnificent historic contributions to the fabric
and progression of the United States of America; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorial-
ize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim 2009 as the Hudson-Fulton-
Champlain Quadricentennial of the great State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Four hundred years ago, Henry Hudson's remarkable voyage to
the New World, sailing for the Dutch East India Company, led to his
discovery of the magnificent river which now bears his name -- an occur-
rence of such significance to our cultural and economic history, it can
hardly be overstated; and
WHEREAS, In that same year, Samuel de Champlain was the first Western
European to sail upon the waters of his breathtakingly beautiful name-
sake lake; two hundred years later, Captain Robert Fulton changed the
face of the shipping industry, revolutionizing river navigation with
steam power, in a thirty-two hour journey up the Hudson River from New
York City to Albany; and
WHEREAS, The simultaneous journeys of Hudson and Champlain, coming
within miles of meeting, changed the world forever; within a century,
the waterways explored by Champlain and Hudson would merge into one
vital corridor at the epicenter of global commerce, politics and ideas;
and
WHEREAS, The explorations of Hudson and Champlain set the stage for
the settlement of the Hudson Valley by the Dutch West India Company and
of the Champlain Valley and Canada by French colonists; European sett-
lers who followed realigned patterns of commerce not only with each
other but also among Native American peoples; the region eventually
spawned North America's major route into the heart of the continent when
New York State built the Erie Canal west from the Hudson-Champlain
corridor; for 400 years this confluence has been a dominant route for
commerce and prosperity; and
WHEREAS, Modern traditions of freedom and dignity were born and shaped
in New York; the influx of new immigrants and ideas caused culture to
flourish, inspiring painters, musicians and writers; conservationists
preserving the region's breathtaking landscapes encouraged others to
mirror their innovations, setting national precedents for protecting
America's irreplaceable natural resources; and
WHEREAS, New York's Hudson Valley and Lake Champlain are national
treasures; the lake, with its stunning natural surroundings and robust
history, has fostered a vibrant culture; the Hudson Valley, renowned for
its scenic landscapes, was a pivotal battleground of the American Revo-
lution and later the birthplace of American painting and literature; and
WHEREAS, The Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial Celebration of
the great State of New York will place an international spotlight on the
myriad contributions these regions, as well as New York City, have made
to America and the world; it will be a statewide effort, involving all
New Yorkers, as well as reaching well beyond the borders of the state
through imaginative and innovative programs, events, exhibits and new

and expanded facilities and marketing to engage the people of the nation
and from all parts of the world; and
WHEREAS, New York's Quadricentennial Celebration signifies that the
400th anniversary and the years preceding it offer great opportunities
to inspire and educate the young people of the state, increase recogni-
tion and appreciation of the Hudson River and Lake Champlain and the
diverse communities that developed along the Hudson River and Lake Cham-
plain over four centuries, and develop a thriving natural and cultural
tourism economy; and
WHEREAS, The Celebration will stimulate and encourage local, national
and international tourism to New York City, the Hudson Valley and Lake
Champlain regions; development of educational curriculum in the schools
throughout New York State; recognition of the multiculturalism of the
New York City, Hudson Valley and Lake Champlain regions; continuation of
a program of preserving open space, parks and access from Lake Champlain
to the New York Harbor; achievement of progress towards making the
Hudson a swimmable river; and advancement of economic and tourism oppor-
tunities; and
WHEREAS, The Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial Act created a
commission to plan and develop the 400th anniversary celebrations of the
voyages of discovery made by Henry Hudson and Samuel de Champlain, as
well as the 200th anniversary of Robert Fulton's steamship voyage along
the Hudson River; and
WHEREAS, Joan K. Davidson was appointed as Chair of the Hudson-Ful-
ton-Champlain Quadricentennial Commission; she has served as Chairwoman
of the New York State Council of the Arts, Commissioner of the Office of
Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and for 18 years as Presi-
dent of the J. M. Kaplan Fund; she has also been an active member of the
boards of The Nature Conservancy, The National Trust for Historic Pres-
ervation, American Farmland Trust, NYS Preservation League, NRDC, The
Municipal Art Society, Cooper-Hewitt Design Museum, Public Theater,
South Street Seaport, Columbia County Historical Society, and Columbia
Land Conservancy; she is currently serving on the board of the Hudson
River Foundation, has attended Cornell University and lives in German-
town, New York, and New York City; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of the rich history and enduring contribution
of the great State of New York to the heritage of the United States of
America, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to join in the cele-
bration of the quadricentennial of the Empire State so that present and
future generations may come to appreciate the unique significance which
its history plays in the progression of our State and Nation's evolu-
tion; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim 2009 as the Hudson-
Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial of the great State of New York; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New
York, and Joan K. Davidson, Chair, Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricenten-
nial Commission.