Assembly Resolution No. 2161

BY: M. of A. Barrett

COMMEMORATING the 200th Anniversary of the Town of
Copake

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to honor and
commemorate the distinguished histories of the communities which
comprise the noble body 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
commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the Town of Copake; and

WHEREAS, 2024 marks the 200th anniversary of the Town of Copake's
incorporation as an independent township; and

WHEREAS, Originally inhabited by the proud Mohican people, the Town
of Copake's name is derived from the word Achkookpeck, meaning "Snake
Pond", the original Mohican name for what we now call Copake Lake; and

WHEREAS, It is thought that the land that would later become this
historic town was acquired under a land grant by Robert Livingston in
1686; on April 4, 1824, the Town of Copake officially split from the
Town of Granger, now the Town of Taghkanic, becoming an independent
township which currently includes the hamlets of Copake Flats, Copake
Falls, Craryville, and West Copake; and

WHEREAS, In December 1844, local Anti-Rent Movement members played
an important role in preventing the unconstitutional seizure of tenant
farmers' assets, thus contributing to an eventual end of the semi-feudal
control of Copake's farmland; and

WHEREAS, In October 1902, the Copake Grange 935 was established to
assist individuals, families, and communities through grassroots action,
service, education, advocacy, cultural activities, entertainment, and
agriculture awareness, and is still active to this day; and

WHEREAS, The Town of Copake's farms, historic Iron Works, and other
past and current businesses continue to be a distinguishing
characteristic of the community, providing jobs, services, and benefits
for residents; and

WHEREAS, This historic town continues to celebrate its glorious
history, hosting museums of the Copake Iron Works and the Roe Jan
Historical Society as well as a permanent local history exhibit located
in the Town Hall; and

WHEREAS, The Town of Copake's lakes, bucolic landscapes, and other
natural features have attracted visitors to the area since the 19th
century; and

WHEREAS, Copake's various religious and civic organizations, and its
fire department and community rescue squad, have enriched and protected
the community for generations; and

WHEREAS, Copake continues to evolve as it enters its third century
as a bucolic community rich with tradition, historical relevance and
heart; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the Town of Copake; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Town of Copake.