Senate Resolution No. 57

BY: Senator WALCZYK

COMMEMORATING the 215th Anniversary of the Town of
Antwerp, New York, in 2025

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 215th Anniversary of the Town of Antwerp, New York; and

WHEREAS, In 1803, a settlement in the area near Oxbow was
established; in 1810, the Town of Antwerp, named after Antwerp, Belgium,
the home of the Town's early investors who had organized under the name
of the Antwerp Company, was created from part of the Town of Le Ray; and

WHEREAS, By 1855, the Town of Antwerp had the second largest number
of cows in the State of New York; Antwerp's population was the highest
between 1860 and 1880; presently, the number of residents is
approximately 1,800; and

WHEREAS, The Town of Antwerp, which contains the Village of Antwerp,
is at the eastern corner of Jefferson County and northeast of Watertown;
the northeastern town line is the border of St. Lawrence County, and the
southeastern town line is the border of Lewis County; and

WHEREAS, The Oswegatchie River flows through the northern section of
Antwerp, looping back to Oxbow; the southeastern portion is where the
Fort Drum Military Reservation is located; and

WHEREAS, The Village of Antwerp was formerly called "Indian River"
due to its location on that river; it was incorporated as a village in
1853; in 2001, the historic core of the Village was listed on the United
States National Register of Historic Places as the Village of Antwerp
Historic District; and

WHEREAS, Several notable individuals were born in the Town of
Antwerp: Albert Woolson, an American Civil War veteran and the last
surviving member of the Grand Army of the Republic; artist, Cassius
Marcellus Coolidge; John Harris, a Wisconsin Senator and businessman;
and writer, Helen Hinsdale Rich; and

WHEREAS, The Town of Antwerp is known for the natural beauty of its
lakes, rivers, and mountains, contributing to the enjoyment of outdoor
enthusiasts; and

WHEREAS, Of historic origin, and remaining fruitful over the ebb and
flow of decades of growth and change, the Town of Antwerp continues to
provide the quintessential quality of life for its residents; and

WHEREAS, The residents of the Town of Antwerp have a bright outlook
for the future of their community which remains a beautiful place in
which to live, raise a family, conduct business, and enjoy the natural

beauty and historical sites that make this sector of New York State a
charming and welcoming community; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of Antwerp's rich history and enduring
contribution to the State of New York, this Legislative Body is proud to
pay tribute to this spirited Town upon the occasion of its 215th
Anniversary; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 215th Anniversary of the Town of Antwerp, New York,
recognizing the significance of the role it continues to play in the
life of the communities of the State of New York; and be it further

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