LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 200th Anniversary of the Town
of Rockland, New York

WHEREAS, Each and every city, town, village and hamlet within its
borders proudly resonates with the rich and noble history of the State
of New York; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commemorate the anniversary of the founding of municipalities throughout
the State, noting in turn their contributions to the fabric and develop-
ment of this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the
Bicentennial of the Town of Rockland, New York, recognizing the signif-
icance of this special anniversary and applauding its distinguished
history; and
WHEREAS, Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Catskill Park, the
Town of Rockland includes Lew Beach and the hamlets of Beaverkill,
Livingston Manor and Roscoe; and
WHEREAS, Located in the northern part of Sullivan County in an area
which fell between the Iroquois nations of the north and the Algonquin
to the south, the abundance of game provided food and the extensive
forests a source of income for early settlers; and
WHEREAS, More than half of the two million acre Hardenburgh Patent
granted by Queen Anne was eventually owned by Robert Livingston; Living-
ston Manor, Roscoe and Rockland are located in its 94,608 acre Great Lot
4; and
WHEREAS, The first Town of Rockland settlers were Jehiel Stewart and
his brother Lucas who arrived from Middletown, Connecticut in 1789 driv-
ing their livestock ahead of an ox-sled loaded with household goods, a
journey which took two weeks because they had to make their way along
the well-known and well-traveled narrow Indian Sun Trail, the same trail
along which New York City's water system currently flows; and
WHEREAS, Jehiel Stewart purchased Lot 24 from John Livingston and
built the area's first log cabin on it; he also built and operated the
first inn at Westfield Flats, now Roscoe, while Lucas established the
first sawmill; by 1800, most of the lots in what is now the Town of
Rockland were occupied by settlers who were friends or relatives of the
Stewarts; and
WHEREAS, Formed from the western portion of the Town of Neversink, the
Town of Rockland was officially founded on March 29, 1809, just two days
after the incorporation of Sullivan County on March 27, 1809; and
WHEREAS, Remaining fruitful over the ebb and flow of decades of growth
and change, the Town of Rockland retains its commitment to enhancing the
quality of life of its citizens and, inhabited by people of enterprise,
has continued to develop and thrive; and
WHEREAS, The Town of Rockland is proudly marking its 200th Anniversary
with a series of celebrations throughout its Bicentennial Year, includ-
ing the Tony and Kelly Lackey Memorial Scholarship Dance sponsored by
the Lions Club and the Down the Decades themed Livingston Manor Rotary
Bicentennial Ice Carnival in January, the Hoos Truck Ladies Auxiliary
sponsored Valentine's Day Buffet and Dance in February, and other activ-
ities and monthly events planned for members of the community and visi-
tors of all ages to enjoy, some of which will also proudly celebrate
Sullivan County's 200th Anniversary as well as the Town of Rockland's;
and
WHEREAS, A cookbook featuring recipes from several of the area's old
and famous hotels as well as local and family favorites is, in addition,
being prepared and, with the outstanding assistance and artistic

contributions of Livingston Manor and Roscoe Central School District
students, a 2009 calendar featuring mixed media artwork of various Town
of Rockland historical sites has been prepared and will surely be a
treasured memento of its Bicentennial Year; and
WHEREAS, As the Town of Rockland celebrates its 200th Anniversary, it
honors its illustrious past, its proud heritage and its promising
future; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of the Town of Rockland's rich history and
enduring contribution to the State of New York, this Legislative Body is
proud to pay tribute to this spirited town upon the occasion of its
Bicentennial; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the Bicentennial of the Town of Rockland and to enthusi-
astically salute its residents as they celebrate this auspicious occa-
sion; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Town of Rockland.