Assembly Resolution No. 1602

BY: M. of A. Miller

COMMEMORATING the 185th Anniversary of the Village
of Oneida Castle

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those communities whose rich history, cultural significance, and
enduring spirit have contributed to the strength and character of the
State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and fully in accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 185th Anniversary of the incorporation of the Village of
Oneida Castle, to be celebrated in 2026; and

WHEREAS, Incorporated by an Act of the New York State Legislature in
1841, the Village of Oneida Castle has played a significant role in the
history and development of Central New York while preserving a unique
connection to the region's Native American heritage; and

WHEREAS, The Village derives its name from the Oneida Nation, whose
people were the first inhabitants of the area and who have long been
recognized as one of the original nations of the Haudenosaunee
Confederacy; and

WHEREAS, According to Oneida tradition, the Oneida people were led
to their homeland by a sacred standing stone, reflected in the name
Onyota'a:ka, meaning "The People of the Standing Stone," a symbol that
remains central to Oneida history and identity; and

WHEREAS, Long before European settlement, the area now known as
Oneida Castle was the site of a fortified Oneida village renowned for
its advanced defensive structures and strategic importance, earning it
the name "Oneida Castle"; and

WHEREAS, In 1615, the village was the site of a significant conflict
when French explorer Samuel de Champlain led an assault against the
Oneida stronghold, an attack that was ultimately repelled through the
determination and ingenuity of the Oneida people; and

WHEREAS, The area later became an important center of cultural and
historical significance through the work of Reverend Samuel Kirkland,
whose mission among the Oneida people fostered relationships that helped
shape the course of American history during the Revolutionary War; and

WHEREAS, The present-day community traces its origins to the early
nineteenth century, when surveyors John and William Randel laid out the
settlement known as Oneida Castleton, which would later become
incorporated as the Village of Oneida Castle in 1841; and

WHEREAS, For 185 years, the Village of Oneida Castle has remained a
close-knit and welcoming community whose residents have demonstrated a
strong commitment to preserving their history while embracing progress
and opportunity for future generations; and

WHEREAS, The citizens of Oneida Castle take great pride in their
community's unique heritage, honoring the contributions of the Oneida
people, early settlers, civic leaders, educators, business owners, and
volunteers who have helped shape the village throughout its history; and

WHEREAS, As the Village of Oneida Castle celebrates its 185th
Anniversary, it is fitting to recognize this anniversary in the 250th
anniversary of our Great Nation, the remarkable legacy of this historic
community and to honor the generations of residents whose dedication and
perseverance have ensured its continued vitality and success; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 185th Anniversary of the Village of Oneida Castle and to
recognize its rich history, cultural significance, and enduring
contributions to Oneida County and the State of New York; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the officials and residents of the Village of Oneida
Castle in recognition of this historic milestone.