LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 200th Anniversary of the
Village of Montgomery, 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, 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 progres-
sion of this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 200th Anniversary of the Village of Montgomery, New York; the
auspicious occasion was celebrated on Wednesday, February 17, 2010, as
the Village kicked off a year full of events commemorating the anniver-
sary with a cake and balloons at the senior center; and
WHEREAS, The 200th Anniversary year long celebrations of the Village
of Montgomery will also include the: first village meeting reenactment,
March 6th; fire department carnival, fireworks and parade, July 14-17;
car show, live music, beard contest and vintage costume ball, July 24th;
artists paint-out, historic walking and bus tours, August 7th; tractor
parade and show, and farm day, August 21st; General Montgomery Day,
September 11th; taste of Montgomery, October 3rd; and Old Fashioned
Holiday Weekend, December 11th; and
WHEREAS, On February 17, 1810, a group of residents assembled in the
Widow Smith's Tavern and the Village of Montgomery was officially incor-
porated; its birth in the opening years of the 19th century and its
history of first settlement dates back to the first half of the 1700s;
and
WHEREAS, The settlement now known as Montgomery was initially estab-
lished by James Ward who constructed a mill on the banks of the Wallkill
River and who shortly thereafter, built a bridge which connected points
east and west, and became a main thoroughfare through the backwoods of
what was then Ulster County; and
WHEREAS, Because of the importance of the bridge, the area now consti-
tuting the Village became known as Ward's Bridge -- a name that held for
many years; later in the 18th century, Ward's Bridge was re-named Mont-
gomery in honor of the Village's namesake, Richard Montgomery, a gallant
general who led the Northern Army in their invasion of the British
fortification at Quebec and was killed leading the assault; a number of
the soldiers who served under him settled in Montgomery and named the
community in his honor; and
WHEREAS, With the official establishment of the Village of Montgomery
in 1810, its fire department was also created and has a long and distin-
guished history of volunteerism that, in large part, makes the community
the special place it is today; it assists those in their time of need
and remains today as a proud organization that all admire; and
WHEREAS, Since February 1810, the Village of Montgomery has withstood
fire, famine and flood and has stood silent witness to its countless
sons and daughters who went off to war to protect and defend this State
and Nation; it is a symbol of endurance that has weathered the winds and
rains of more than 73,000 days; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of the rich history and enduring contribution
of the Village of Montgomery to the heritage of the State of New York,

it is the intent of this Legislative Body to join in the celebration of
the 200th Anniversary of the incorporation of the Village of Montgomery
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 evolution; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the incorporation of the Village of
Montgomery, New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Village of Montgomery Bicentennial Committee, 133 Clinton
Street, Montgomery, New York 12549.