LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 200th Anniversary of the 1815
signing of legislation establishing the Town of Athens and designating
its boundaries on February 25, 2015

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to honor and commem-
orate the proud and distinguished histories of the people and communi-
ties which comprise the noble body of this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concerns, and in full accord with its long-
standing tradition, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate
the 200th Anniversary of the 1815 signing of legislation establishing
the Town of Athens and designating its boundaries to be celebrated with
a reception at the Athens Firehouse, Athens, New York, on Saturday,
February 28, 2015; and
WHEREAS, The area, now known as Athens, New York, was initially
purchased by three men from the Makicanni Indians in 1665; it was sold
numerous times throughout its history, eventually becoming Loonenburg in
1685, and then Esperanza in 1794; and
WHEREAS, Finally, in 1800, the Town was given its final name of
Athens; on February 25, 1815, legislation was signed creating the Town
of Athens, which also encompassed the Village of Athens; and
WHEREAS, In 1703, the faithful residents of then Loonenburg, estab-
lished the longest, continuously serving Lutheran Church in America; and
WHEREAS, In the early years of the vibrant Village of Athens, tanner-
ies, brickyards, and shipyards, as well as the Athens Pottery were a
vital part of the economic base; concurrently, stone quarries, which
shipped cobbles to New York City, were established in the Town of
Athens; and
WHEREAS, In addition, both a gold mine and a diamond mine were located
in the Town of Athens, and the lumber industry and tanneries both pros-
pered; working farms and plentiful orchards were also prevalent through-
out the countryside; and
WHEREAS, Tourism also flourished in the 1800s; resorts were built
catering to individuals and families who enjoyed the beautiful scenery
and the fresh air; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, future soldiers of the American Revolution
trained on drill grounds in the Town of Athens, many of whom went on to
fight for America's freedom; and
WHEREAS, Today, the small, friendly community is made up of an eclec-
tic group of artisans, businesspeople, and families who all enjoy the
beauty of this historic area and the essence of village life; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly recog-
nize and commemorate milestones in the history of communities, both
large and small, in this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the 1815 signing of legislation
establishing the Town of Athens and designating its boundaries on Febru-
ary 25, 2015; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Bicentennial Committee, Town of Athens.