LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 200th Anniversary of the Town
of Ripley

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to recognize events
of significance which exemplify the history and development of the State
of New York; each city, town, village and hamlet within the borders of
our great Empire State proudly resonates with the rich and noble histo-
ry; and
WHEREAS, It is also the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
and commemorate the anniversaries of the founding of municipalities
throughout the State, noting in turn their contributions to the fabric
and progression 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 Bicentennial of the Town of Ripley; and
WHEREAS, Ripley's first settler to purchase land was Alexander
Cochran, who emigrated from Ireland in 1802, and made his land purchase
official two years later; and
WHEREAS, In 1816, the largest concentration of population in the area
was established as a Town and named Quincy; in 1873, it became known as
Ripley, named for General Eleazer Wheelock Ripley, who was active in the
War of 1812; and
WHEREAS, Ripley grew slowly until the opening of the Erie Canal in
1825, making the area more open and accessible; in 1852, the first rail-
road line, called the Buffalo & State Line, was placed through Ripley
and with the addition of the Nickel Plate Road, both of these lines are
now known as CSX; and
WHEREAS, Ripley fostered a weekly newspaper, the RIPLEY REVIEW, for
many years, starting in 1882 and ending in the early 1970s; and
WHEREAS, Today, grapes are the largest and most vital enterprise in
Ripley, with dairy cattle and other crops being second in the southern
part of the Township; the first vineyards were established in the
mid-1800s, and grapes today are sold to several regional grape producers
including the National Grape Co-op for use in fruit juices, jams,
jellies and wines; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly recog-
nize and honor milestones in the history of municipalities that make up
the rich history of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the Bicentennial of the Town of Ripley; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Town of Ripley.