Assembly Resolution No. 1505
BY: M. of A. Palmesano
COMMEMORATING the 175th Anniversary of the
inaugural trip of the Erie Railroad through Hornell,
New York
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commemorate those historic events and institutions which have
contributed significantly to the heritage, culture, and economic
vitality of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 175th Anniversary of the inaugural trip of the Erie
Railroad through Hornell, New York, celebrated on Saturday, May 16,
2026, at the Hornell Erie Depot Museum in the City of Hornell; and
WHEREAS, The commemoration included a free public open house hosted
by the Hornell Erie Depot Museum, honoring the profound historical
significance of the Erie Railroad and its enduring impact on the
Southern Tier region and the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, The Erie Railroad was among the first major railroads in
the United States, connecting New York City with Dunkirk, New York, and
opening new avenues of transportation, commerce, communication, and
economic development across New York State; and
WHEREAS, On May 14, 1851, the first passenger train to travel the
full length of the Erie Railroad from Piermont-on-Hudson to Dunkirk
arrived in Hornellsville carrying President of the United States Millard
Fillmore and Secretary of State Daniel Webster, marking a pivotal moment
in the history of American transportation and the growth of
Hornellsville; and
WHEREAS, Prior to the arrival of the Erie Railroad, the population
of Hornellsville stood at approximately 700 residents in 1851; by 1852,
the population had surged to 1,841, demonstrating the transformative
economic and social influence of rail transportation upon the community;
and
WHEREAS, Hornell became a major repair and maintenance center for
the Erie Railroad, serving as the junction point for the railroad's two
principal branches and providing employment opportunities that fueled
generations of prosperity and growth; and
WHEREAS, By 1877, the Erie Railroad employed approximately 800
individuals in Hornell, and by 1940, the City's population had grown to
15,649 residents, illustrating the central role the railroad industry
played in shaping the identity and development of the region; and
WHEREAS, In 1948, the Erie Railroad transitioned from steam
locomotives to diesel engines, significantly reducing maintenance needs
and leading to widespread layoffs in the Hornell repair shops, signaling
the beginning of major economic changes for the community; and
WHEREAS, In 1960, the Erie Railroad merged with the Delaware,
Lackawanna and Western Railroad to form the Erie Lackawanna Railroad,
and subsequent reductions in rail operations and employment further
altered the economic landscape of Hornell; and
WHEREAS, Passenger rail service on the Erie Lackawanna Railroad
officially ceased on December 31, 1969, with limited holiday service
continuing through January 4, 1970; and
WHEREAS, Following the devastating impact of Hurricane Agnes in
1972, damage to rail infrastructure contributed to the bankruptcy of the
Erie Lackawanna Railroad, after which rail operations were assumed by
Conrail, resulting in additional service reductions, employment losses,
and the closure of the Hornell repair shops; and
WHEREAS, Determined to preserve and honor this important legacy, the
Hornell Erie Depot Museum was established in 2005 to safeguard the
history of the railroad industry and the people whose labor and
dedication shaped the Hornell area for generations; and
WHEREAS, The proud railroad heritage of Hornell continues into the
modern era through the presence of Alstom, whose operations in the City
since the early 2000s have revitalized the historic rail shops and
established Hornell as a leading center for railcar manufacturing and
refurbishment in North America; and
WHEREAS, Alstom has contributed substantially to economic growth and
employment in the region through major transportation projects,
including the overhaul of the PATCO Speedline fleet in 2011, the
construction of light rail vehicles for OC Transpo in 2013, and the
manufacture of Amtrak's first high-speed rail cars produced in the
United States beginning in 2016, including second-generation Acela
trains beginning production in 2020; and
WHEREAS, Hornell's rich railroad history also includes the
operations of numerous additional rail and traction companies, including
the Hornellsville Electric Railway Company, the Hornellsville & Canisteo
Railway Company, the Hornell Traction Company, the Geneva Southwestern
and Hornellsville Railway, the Geneva and Hornellsville Railway, the
Geneva, Hornellsville and Pine Creek Railway, and the Rochester,
Hornellsville and Lackawanna Railroad, each contributing to the growth
and connectivity of the region; and
WHEREAS, The observance of this 175th Anniversary provides an
opportunity to reflect upon the enduring contributions of railroad
workers, civic leaders, historians, preservationists, and community
members whose efforts have preserved Hornell's unique transportation
heritage for future generations; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 175th Anniversary of the Erie Railroad's inaugural trip
through Hornell, New York, and to honor the enduring legacy of the
railroad industry and its profound impact upon the City of Hornell, the
Southern Tier, and the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Hornell Erie Depot Museum.
