Senate Resolution No. 502 BY: Senator ORTT COMMEMORATING the 200th Anniversary of Orleans County, New York 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 200th Anniversary of Orleans County to be celebrated with a Birthday Celebration on Tuesday, April 15, 2025; and WHEREAS, Orleans County is a community situated on the southern shore of Lake Ontario and located in the western portion of New York State, northeast of Buffalo and west of Rochester; and WHEREAS, Orleans County was officially established as a separate entity from Genesee County by an Act of the Legislature on November 12, 1824, and commenced its operations on April 15, 1825; the County's name, which may honor either Andrew Jackson's victory in the Battle of New Orleans or the French Duc d'Orleans, symbolizes a compromise among its early leaders; and WHEREAS, The completion of the Erie Canal in 1825 played a transformative role in the County's development; the Canal's ability to provide inexpensive transportation fueled the local economy, supporting the County's early agricultural successes, particularly its designation as the "Breadbasket of the World," and fostering the growth of communities which would later flourish with prosperity; and WHEREAS, Orleans County prides itself in its diverse farms which cultivate vineyards and orchards, grow vegetables, raise livestock, and produce milk; the County is also known for its competitive sportfishing and diligent workforce for manufacturing, agriculture, and commerce; and WHEREAS, Today, Orleans County is home to numerous educational, medical, and recreational facilities, providing residents with quality services, such as Orleans Community Health, which includes Medina Memorial Hospital, Renal Dialysis Centers, and outpatient clinics, the Oak Orchard Health System, the Orleans County Historical Association, the Cobblestone Society Museum, and a network of schools, parks, and cultural venues; and WHEREAS, Orleans County has maintained its commitment to improving the lives of its residents through planning for the future, including efforts to preserve farmland, promote sustainable development, and ensure the ongoing vitality of its rural communities; and WHEREAS, In recognition of Orleans County's rich history and enduring contribution to the State of New York, this Legislative Body is proud to pay tribute to this region upon the occasion of its 200th Anniversary; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of Orleans County, New York, recognizing the significance of the role it continues to play in the State of New York and its communities; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Orleans County, New York.