LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 225th Anniversary of the Town
of Ballston, Saratoga County

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to honor and commem-
orate 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 commem-
orate the 225th Anniversary of the Town of Ballston, in the County of
Saratoga, New York; and
WHEREAS, On July 13, 2013, the Town of Ballston will hold a cele-
bration of its 225th Anniversary; events to commemorate this celebration
will be held at the Ballston Town Hall, the Merchant Farm and the Ball-
ston Center Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church; and
WHEREAS, The Town of Ballston will be showing Historic Exhibits,
restored modes of transportation from years past, toys and games from
over a century ago, historical reenactments, petting zoos, and tradi-
tional foods and drink, as well as a traditional game of baseball; and
WHEREAS, The Town of Ballston officially came into being on March 7,
1788; previously it was part of Albany County, but was divided on March
24, 1772, into two districts; in 1775, the District of Ballston was
taken from the District of Saratoga, creating three districts within
Albany; and
WHEREAS, On February 7, 1791, by means of an Act of the New York State
Legislature, the County of Saratoga was created and the Town of Ballston
was one of the first four "Mother Towns"; and
WHEREAS, The Town of Ballston was originally a hunting ground for
Iroquois Indians, and first settlements came in with the establishment
of a community around the home of Reverend Eliphalet Ball, for whom the
town is named; and
WHEREAS, The Town of Ballston and its settlers took part in the
Revolutionary War with residents fighting for both the Patriots and the
British; most notably, Joe Betteys, who lived with his family in the
Town of Ballston, and first fought for the Patriots and then, later,
became a spy for the British; and
WHEREAS, After the Town's founding, three major communities developed,
Ballston Center, Ballston Lake and Burnt Hills; and
WHEREAS, With good fortune and a vast and rich history, the Town of
Ballston will continue to march forward as a safe and enjoyable communi-
ty to call home; and
WHEREAS, Remaining fruitful over the ebb and flow of decades of growth
and change, the Town of Ballston continues its commitment to enhancing
the quality of life of its citizens, ensuring a positive environment for
residents and businesses as well as supporting and advocating on behalf
of its rich agricultural history; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 225th Anniversary of the Town of Ballston, recognizing
the significance of the role it continues to play in the life of the
community of the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Ballston Town Historian, Rick Reynolds, and the 225th Anni-
versary Committee, as well as to leaders of the Town of Ballston.