LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 225th Anniversary of the Town
of Cortlandt, New York, in 2013

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize events of
significance which exemplify the history and development of the State of
New York; and
WHEREAS, Each and every city, town, village and hamlet within its
borders proudly resonates with the rich and noble history of the State
of New York; and
WHEREAS, It is also the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
and commemorate the anniversary of the founding of municipalities
throughout the State, noting in turn their contributions to the fabric
and progression 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 commem-
orate the 225th Anniversary of the Town of Cortlandt, New York, in 2013;
and
WHEREAS, Located in the northwestern corner of Westchester County, the
Town of Cortlandt, New York, derived its name from the Van Cortlandt
family who began purchasing land in 1677 from the Croton River north to
Anthony's Nose and east to Connecticut; and
WHEREAS, Cortlandt, New York, was the site of many skirmishes during
the Revolutionary War; local roads, such as Watch Hill and Furnace Dock
Road, where the furnaces that made ammunition for the war effort were
located, bear names reflecting the Revolutionary time; and
WHEREAS, In 1788, under the Township Act, Cortlandt became one of 20
townships in Westchester County with Philip Van Cortlandt as the first
Supervisor; and
WHEREAS, The Bear Mountain Bridge Road and Toll House in the Town of
Cortlandt, New York, are of major historical importance; they are listed
together on the National Register of Historic Places; they were once
privately owned and tolls for their use were collected at the Bear Moun-
tain Road Toll House and at the Bridge itself; and
WHEREAS, The Bear Mountain Bridge opened to traffic in 1924, and was
the first bridge to span the Hudson River between Albany and New York
City; and
WHEREAS, The one-story Tudor-style Toll House has a gabled slate roof,
exposed timbers, and smooth stucco finish; the west bay of the Toll
House housed the office and collection area for tolls; in 1940, the
Bridge and Road were sold to the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, The Toll House currently serves at the trailhead for the Camp
Smith Trail, a 2.5-mile hike that leads to the top of Anthony's Nose;
and
WHEREAS, In addition, the Town of Cortlandt has been named the first
Purple Heart Town in New York State by the Military Order of the Purple
Heart Veterans Chapter 21; and
WHEREAS, This proclamation honors the many residents who have been
wounded or killed defending our great nation's liberties since the birth
of our nation; it is a tribute to active duty military and veterans
alike for their faithful service and sacrifice; and
WHEREAS, The Purple Heart Town designation for the Town of Cortlandt
acknowledges what the veterans and citizens of Cortlandt have always
said and lived by, "That Freedom is not Free"; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of the rich history and enduring contribution
of the Town of Cortlandt to the heritage of the State of New York, it is
the intent of this Legislative Body to join in commemorating the 225th
Anniversary of the Town of Cortlandt so that present and future gener-

ations may come to appreciate the unique significance which its history
plays in the progression of our State and Nation's evolution; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 225th Anniversary of the Town of Cortlandt, New York, in
2013; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Town of Cortlandt, New York.