Assembly Resolution No. 1029

BY: M. of A. Jenne

COMMEMORATING the 150th Anniversary of the City of
Ogdensburg, County of St. Lawrence, State of 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 150th Anniversary of the City of Ogdensburg located in
the County of St. Lawrence, State of New York; and

WHEREAS, On April 27,1868, the City of Ogdensburg was established
and the community has developed to become a city in the State of New
York with a population of 11,128 people; and

WHEREAS, The City of Ogdensburg is located in Northern Saint
Lawrence County along the majestic Saint Lawrence River, a strategic
location for centuries and continues to be an important location for
international trade; and

WHEREAS, Ogdensburg is home to the only United States port on the
Saint Lawrence Seaway; it also boasts the Ogdensburg International
Airport and the Ogdensburg-Prescott International bridge linking the
United States of America and Canada; and

WHEREAS, Ogdensburg is the location of the historic Fort la
Presentation, established in 1749 by the French Sulpician priest, Abbe
Picquet, which served as an important strategic point for the French
control of the St. Lawrence River during the French and Indian War
before being taken by British forces in 1760; and

WHEREAS, Ogdensburg is named for New Jersey-based land developer
Samuel Ogden, who, along with other family members, purchased land taken
from several Iroquois Nations allied with Britain after they were
defeated in the Revolutionary War; and

WHEREAS, The City of Ogdensburg played a notable role in the War of
1812, especially under the leadership of Captain Benjamin Forsyth of the
regular 1st U.S. Rifle Regiment; Captain Forsyth worked to fortify the
city and took brave action to resist British forces to free 53 prisoners
held captive by British troops and gain much needed supplies in advance
of the Battle of Ogdensburg; and

WHEREAS, During the ultimately failed defense of the City of
Ogdensburg during the battle on February 22, 1813, St. Lawrence County
Sheriff Joseph York stood alone against the British with a brass cannon
before being captured with the British captain remarking, "There stands
too brave a man to shoot."; and

WHEREAS, On August 18, 1940, Ogdensburg was the sight of the signing
of the Ogdensburg Agreement between the Prime Minister of Canada,

Mackenzie King, and President Roosevelt to establish closer defensive
cooperation between the two countries through the development of the
Permanent Joint Board on Defense; and

WHEREAS, The citizens of the City of Ogdensburg have helped
establish Ogdensburg as a pivotal port city and railroad center for
extensive trade in New York State; and

WHEREAS, Remaining fruitful over the ebb and flow of decades of
growth and change, the City of Ogdensburg 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 150th Anniversary of the City of Ogdensburg, County of
St. Lawrence, State of 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 the City of Ogdensburg.