Senate Resolution No. 1842

BY: Senator HELMING

COMMEMORATING the 200th Anniversary of the Town of
Marion, New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and
commemorate the distinguished histories of the communities which
comprise 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 Marion, New York, to be
celebrated throughout 2026; and

WHEREAS, The land which would become the Town of Marion was
originally inhabited by the Seneca Nation, a member of the Haudenosaunee
Confederacy, whose presence long predated European settlement, and whose
stewardship shaped the region's natural landscape; and

WHEREAS, Early settlement in Marion was marked by perseverance and
industry, with historian Jefferson Sherman, Esq., aptly noting that its
first settlers "were not men of war or bloodshed, but men of work," a
sentiment which continues to define the character of the community; and

WHEREAS, Among the earliest settlers was Henry Lovell, the first
known individual to establish a homestead in the area, followed by
pioneering families, including the Powells, Sweezeys, and Joseph
Caldwell, whose efforts laid the foundation for the town's growth and
development; and

WHEREAS, The area which is now Marion was originally part of the
Towns of Sodus and Williamson, and pursuant to an act of the New York
State Legislature in 1826, was first established as the Town of
Winchester before being renamed Marion on April 15, 1826, by Governor
DeWitt Clinton; and

WHEREAS, The Town of Marion was named in honor of Revolutionary War
General Francis Marion, known as the "Swamp Fox," whose resilience,
resourcefulness, and unwavering commitment to the cause of American
independence serve as an enduring symbol reflected in the spirit of the
town's residents; and

WHEREAS, Throughout its history, Marion has been shaped by strong
agricultural roots, with fertile lands supporting generations of family
farms, while churches, schools, and local institutions fostered a
close-knit and values-driven community; and

WHEREAS, Over time, the Town of Marion has evolved to include a
diverse array of industries and enterprises, including rail
transportation, manufacturing, and small businesses, all of which have
contributed to its economic vitality while maintaining its rural
character; and

WHEREAS, Today, Marion remains a vibrant and resilient community,
where residents live, work, and invest in the town, continuing a legacy
of hard work, civic pride, and dedication to future generations; and

WHEREAS, As the Town of Marion celebrates 200 years of history, it
honors not only its past but also the enduring spirit of a community
built through commitment, perseverance, and shared purpose; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the Town of Marion, New York,
recognizing its enduring contributions to the State of New York; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Town of Marion, New York, and the Marion Historic
Association.