LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 300th Anniversary of the Pala-
tine Immigration

WHEREAS, More than 3,000 residents of the Palatinate in Europe emigrated
to the New World during the year 1710 under the leadership of the Rever-
end Joshua Kocherthal; and
WHEREAS, The Palatine people endured great hardship on their voyage
with almost one-third dying before they reached America; and
WHEREAS, The main group of Palatines were brought by the Crown and its
colonial government to settlements known as East Camp and West Camp
along the Hudson River recognized in present day Columbia and Ulster
counties; and
WHEREAS, These immigrants struggled to provide for themselves and
engaged in the production of naval stores as required by the Crown; and
WHEREAS, The immigrants subsequently left the settlement camps and
founded frontier communities in the Hudson, Schoharie and Mohawk
Valleys; and
WHEREAS, The Palatines fought to defend their communities in numerous
conflicts, including the French and Indian War and the Revolution; and
WHEREAS, These communities subsequently flourished with Palatine
descendents assuming leadership roles in society; and
WHEREAS, Palatine immigrants and their descendents made a major
contribution to the development of the Empire State; and
WHEREAS, This extraordinary contribution is largely unknown and unher-
alded today; and
WHEREAS, The Palatine Immigration shall be recognized and acknowledged
as one of the first major waves of immigrants to the New World; the
Palatine people and their descendents should be recognized for helping
to define the American character and helping to ensure the prosperity
and success of our great State and Nation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 300th Anniversary of the Palatine Immigration, and to
commend those individuals and organizations that seek to preserve this
important aspect of American history, including those gathered in Fish-
kill on June 18th and 19th for the 2010 National Conference of the Pala-
tines to America; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to esteemed Palatine organizations throughout the State of New
York.