Assembly Resolution No. 357 BY: M. of A. Palmesano COMMEMORATING the 225th Anniversary of Steuben 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 225th Anniversary of Steuben County, New York; and WHEREAS, This historic county's celebration provides us an exciting opportunity to illuminate the little-known stories of the past; throughout the coming year, Steuben County will honor the individuals, who through their contributions and sacrifices, helped to build this community; and WHEREAS, Steuben County will endeavor to acknowledge the many moments, when the eyes of the world were upon them, and they will celebrate the inventors, the individuals, and the millions of immigrants who helped to forge the community and county; and WHEREAS, Established during George Washington's presidency in 1796, Steuben County includes most of Keuka Lake and was created at the same time as the six original Towns of Bath, Addison, Dansville, Canisteo, Wayne, and the Town of Corning; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, parts of the original Steuben County have gone to help create four other counties, Allegany, Livingston, Yates, and Schuyler; and WHEREAS, Steuben County is the largest of the 14 Finger Lakes counties in terms of area, and seventh in the state; the Finger Lakes Trail system has more miles in Steuben than any other county; and WHEREAS, Traditionally an agricultural area known for its dairy farms, lumber, grain, potatoes and grapes, Steuben County has also been a center of technological innovation; the first army aircraft (a blimp), the first navy aircraft (a seaplane), and the first Marine Corps aircraft (a land plane) all came from Hammondsport, where America's first woman pilot, Blanche Stuart Scott, made her first flight; and WHEREAS, While still an important part of the economy, agriculture has given way to other major economic developments, including tourism, with many attractions, much scenic beauty and pleasant accommodations; and WHEREAS, After the Civil War, the New York State Soldiers and Sailors Home, now Bath V.A. Medical Center, was established in Steuben County, as well as the Bath National Cemetery where 18 unknown soldiers from the War of 1812 were laid to rest; and WHEREAS, Steuben County is also well-known for its County Fair which dates back to 1819, and the Steuben County Dairy Festival which was established in 1957; and WHEREAS, Steuben County is New York State's perennial chart topper when it comes to whitetail deer, and offers some of the best hunting in the entire Finger Lakes region for black bear, deer, turkey, and more; and WHEREAS, A number of notable people from many differing livelihoods have come from Steuben County, including Tuskegee Airman and veteran of three wars, George Haley; suffragist, Anna Cadgan Etz; glass artist, Frederick Carder; industrial giant and a pioneer in motorcycles, aviation, and travel trailers, Glenn Curtiss; dancer, Bill T. Jones; pioneers in the fight for birth control rights, Margaret Sanger, Katherine Houghton Hepburn, and Ethel Byrne; Civil War heroes/Congressional Medal of Honor recipients, Morris Brown and David L. Smith; and Austin Steward, who escaped from slavery in Steuben County to become an entrepreneur and abolitionist; and WHEREAS, Remaining fruitful over the ebb and flow of decades of growth and change, Steuben County continues its commitment to enhancing the quality of life of its citizens, ensuring a positive business, institutional and educational climate, and providing all essential services; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 225th Anniversary of Steuben County, New York, recognizing the significance of the role it continues to play in the life of the community of the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Steuben County, New York.