The New York State Senate

J2041

Senate Resolution No. 2041

BY: Senator RITCHIE

COMMEMORATING the 220th Anniversary of the
establishment of St. Lawrence County by the State of
New York

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to honor and
commemorate the distinguished history of those counties 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
commemorate the 220th Anniversary of the establishment of St. Lawrence
County by the great State of New York; and

WHEREAS, In 1802, just six years after the first intrepid American
pioneers completed a long and dangerous journey across New York State to
carve their homes from the rugged wilderness at the confluence of the
St. Lawrence and Oswegatchie Rivers, over 150 citizens signed a petition
asking the New York State Legislature to allow them to work together to
create a County Government to bring law, order and the benefits of
democratic self-rule to an area that stretches from modern-day Franklin
County to modern-day Jefferson County, with its northern border along
the St. Lawrence River; and

WHEREAS, Those hardy settlers risked their lives in the face of war,
pestilence and privation as they worked together, fought together and
stood together to build homes, farms and businesses; and

WHEREAS, Their efforts served as a beacon that attracted
trailblazers from around the world whose families have built numerous
bustling communities which, more than two centuries later, are home to
more than 100,000 people; and

WHEREAS, Today, we remember the sacrifices made by those original
pioneer families, whose efforts and contributions led to the formation
of St. Lawrence County government, a system of self-government which
continues to protect and serve the needs of its citizens 220 years
later; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious milestone is a time for citizens across our
great Empire State to recognize St. Lawrence County, a place that has
played an important role in the history of the Empire State and whose
employees and citizens deserve our thanks and appreciation; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 220th Anniversary of the establishment of St. Lawrence
County by the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to St. Lawrence County.