Senate Resolution No. 57 BY: Senator WALCZYK COMMEMORATING the 215th Anniversary of the Town of Antwerp, New York, in 2025 WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to honor and commemorate 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 commemorate the 215th Anniversary of the Town of Antwerp, New York; and WHEREAS, In 1803, a settlement in the area near Oxbow was established; in 1810, the Town of Antwerp, named after Antwerp, Belgium, the home of the Town's early investors who had organized under the name of the Antwerp Company, was created from part of the Town of Le Ray; and WHEREAS, By 1855, the Town of Antwerp had the second largest number of cows in the State of New York; Antwerp's population was the highest between 1860 and 1880; presently, the number of residents is approximately 1,800; and WHEREAS, The Town of Antwerp, which contains the Village of Antwerp, is at the eastern corner of Jefferson County and northeast of Watertown; the northeastern town line is the border of St. Lawrence County, and the southeastern town line is the border of Lewis County; and WHEREAS, The Oswegatchie River flows through the northern section of Antwerp, looping back to Oxbow; the southeastern portion is where the Fort Drum Military Reservation is located; and WHEREAS, The Village of Antwerp was formerly called "Indian River" due to its location on that river; it was incorporated as a village in 1853; in 2001, the historic core of the Village was listed on the United States National Register of Historic Places as the Village of Antwerp Historic District; and WHEREAS, Several notable individuals were born in the Town of Antwerp: Albert Woolson, an American Civil War veteran and the last surviving member of the Grand Army of the Republic; artist, Cassius Marcellus Coolidge; John Harris, a United States Senator and businessman; and writer, Helen Hinsdale Rich; and WHEREAS, The Town of Antwerp is known for the natural beauty of its lakes, rivers, and mountains, contributing to the enjoyment of outdoor enthusiasts; and WHEREAS, Of historic origin, and remaining fruitful over the ebb and flow of decades of growth and change, the Town of Antwerp continues to provide the quintessential quality of life for its residents; and WHEREAS, The residents of the Town of Antwerp have a bright outlook for the future of their community which remains a beautiful place in which to live, raise a family, conduct business, and enjoy the natural beauty and historical sites that make this sector of New York State a charming and welcoming community; and WHEREAS, In recognition of Antwerp's rich history and enduring contribution to the State of New York, this Legislative Body is proud to pay tribute to this spirited Town upon the occasion of its 215th Anniversary; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 215th Anniversary of the Town of Antwerp, New York, recognizing the significance of the role it continues to play in the life of the communities of the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Town of Antwerp.