LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 225th Anniversary of the Town
of Halfmoon, New York

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to honor and commem-
orate the proud and distinguished histories of the communities which
comprise the noble body of this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, In accord with its long-standing traditions, it is the
purpose of this Legislative Body to commemorate the 225th Anniversary of
the Town of Halfmoon, in Saratoga County, New York; and
WHEREAS, In 1772, Albany County formed two districts, Halfmoon and
Saratoga; this district organization lasted 16 years until March 7,
1788, when Halfmoon became one of the Original Four Saratoga County
Towns along with Ball's Town, Saratoga and Stillwater; and
WHEREAS, On April 1, 1788, the new Town of Halfmoon had its first Town
Meeting at the home of Cornelius C. Van Den Berg for the purpose of
electing Town Officers; and
WHEREAS, In 1791 Saratoga County was formed from Albany County; and
WHEREAS, From 1816-1820 Halfmoon was briefly named Orange; in 1816,
Waterford Township separated from Halfmoon; in 1828, Clifton Park Town-
ship separated from Halfmoon; and, in 1910, Mechanicville separated from
Halfmoon; and
WHEREAS, One can only imagine the land size of Halfmoon before Water-
ford, Clifton Park, and Mechanicville separated from it; the Census of
1790 showed Halfmoon as having a population of 3,602 and 21,535 in the
2010 census, making Halfmoon one of the fastest growing towns in Sarato-
ga County; and
WHEREAS, The Town of Halfmoon is fittingly very proud to have the
original minutes which were taken at that first Town Meeting on April 1,
1788, 225 years ago; and
WHEREAS, The pages which contain these minutes are from one of the two
earliest Minute Books the Town of Halfmoon has in its possession; these
books survived the Great Fire in 1853 which destroyed most of the town's
records; and
WHEREAS, The Town of Halfmoon is justly thrilled to have these books
available to share with its citizens today so they are able to take a
glimpse back in its 225 year rich history; and
WHEREAS, Remaining fruitful over the ebb and flow of two centuries of
growth and change, the Town of Halfmoon continues its commitment to
enhancing the quality of life of its citizens, ensuring a positive busi-
ness, institutional and educational climate, and providing all essential
services; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 225th Anniversary of the Town of Halfmoon, New York,
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 a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Town of Halfmoon, New York.