LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 203rd Anniversary of Putnam
County

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to honor and recog-
nize the distinguished histories of the communities which comprise the
noble body of this great Empire State, and to celebrate the people and
places which make these communities strong; 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 203rd Anniversary of Putnam County; and
WHEREAS, Putnam County was formed on June 12, 1812, from Dutchess
County and is named for Israel Putnam, a hero in the French and Indian
War and a General in the American Revolutionary War; and
WHEREAS, Located in the lower Hudson River Valley, Putnam County
includes Kent, Philipstown, Putnam Valley, Carmel, Southeast and Patter-
son; and
WHEREAS, Due to the increasing population of the Southern Precinct of
Dutchess County and the great distance of its communities from its coun-
ty seat, Poughkeepsie, Putnam was split from Dutchess and created its
own county; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Putnam was able to function as a separate county
because of the easy transportation provided by the Hudson River; prob-
lems arose when the river froze in the winter, and subsequently, the
Philipstown Turnpike was established in 1815 as a toll road from Cold
Spring to Connecticut; and
WHEREAS, Transportation improved again with the advent of the rail-
road, namely the Harlem Line, which was built in the 1840s, connecting
Putnam by rail to New York City; during this time, there were four
stations on the Harlem Line in Putnam County: Brewster, Dykemans, Town-
ers and Patterson; and
WHEREAS, Putnam County played an integral role in the Civil War; one
third of the county's men between the ages of 15 and 55 served in the
military at the time of the war; and
WHEREAS, By the 20th Century, improved roads brought vacationers from
New York City, which led to the creation of the Taconic State Parkway
during the Great Depression; this brought more vacationers, which were
attracted to the scenic land and the inexpensive hotels, inns and summer
homes; Putnam County's population doubled during the summer months; and
WHEREAS, After the Second World War, Putnam County became an exurb of
New York City; rapid development evolved into a bedroom community;
however, the protection of Putnam County's reservoirs inherently limited
development, as much of the land in the county is close to wetlands or
reservoirs; and
WHEREAS, During the last half century, Putnam County has ceased to be
a rural area and became part of the New York City outer suburbs; return-
ing veterans and many workers in New York City and lower Westchester
County found one could live year-round in Putnam and commute to work on
excellent roads and rail connections; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Putnam County offers less expensive housing,
good schools, and a safe environment; new year-round housing develop-
ments have sprang up throughout the county, and the rapid conversion of
summer houses to year-round use has provided affordable housing; and
WHEREAS, Of historic origin, and remaining fruitful over the ebb and
flow of decades of growth and change, Putnam County continues to provide
the quintessential quality of life for its residents; and

WHEREAS, The residents of Putnam County have a bright outlook for the
future of their community, which remains a beautiful place in which to
live, work and raise a family; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of Putnam County's rich history and enduring
contribution to the State of New York, this Legislative Body is proud to
pay tribute to this spirited county upon the occasion of its 203rd Anni-
versary; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 203rd Anniversary of Putnam County, and to enthusi-
astically salute its residents as they celebrate this auspicious occa-
sion; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Putnam County.