What's happening
This resolution commemorates the 219th birthday of William H. Seward, honoring his contributions to New York and the nation.
Why it matters
Highlights Seward’s role in pivotal national events. The resolution draws attention to William H. Seward’s instrumental influence on major moments in U.S. history, such as his leadership in the fight against slavery (including sheltering runaway slaves on the Underground Railroad) and his support for the Emancipation Proclamation.
Recognizes his vision for U.S. expansion. By referencing Seward’s acquisition of Alaska and his early efforts to secure other territories and infrastructure (like Hawaii, the Dutch West Indies, and a Panama canal), the resolution stresses his long-term impact on America’s global presence—even when his ideas were initially unpopular.
Connects local and national history. The resolution situates Seward’s legacy firmly within New York’s history, noting his roots in Orange County, involvement with local institutions like the S.S. Seward Institute, and the continued local commemoration of his life, reinforcing the ongoing connection between state and national narratives.
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Honor William H. Seward
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1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
Assembly Resolution No. 743 BY: M. of A. Brabenec COMMEMORATING the 219th Birthday of William H. Seward, former New York State Senator, former New York State Governor, former United States Senator, former United States Secretary of State, and purchaser of… Show allHide
Assembly Resolution No. 743 BY: M. of A. Brabenec COMMEMORATING the 219th Birthday of William H. Seward, former New York State Senator, former New York State Governor, former United States Senator, former United States Secretary of State, and purchaser of Florida, New York WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commemorate the 219th Birthday of William H. Seward, former New York State Senator, former New York State Governor, former United States Senator, former United States Secretary of State, and purchaser of Florida, New York; and WHEREAS, To observe this auspicious occasion, a special event, "William Henry Seward's Birthday Celebration" will be held on Saturday,
May 16, 2020; and WHEREAS, William Henry Seward was born in Florida on May 16, 1801, and died in Auburn, New York, on October 12, 1872, where he spent much of his adult life; and WHEREAS, William Henry Seward made a monumental impact in the histories of not… Show allHide
May 16, 2020; and WHEREAS, William Henry Seward was born in Florida on May 16, 1801, and died in Auburn, New York, on October 12, 1872, where he spent much of his adult life; and WHEREAS, William Henry Seward made a monumental impact in the histories of not only Orange County, but New York State and the entire country, serving in numerous leadership capacities such as New York Senator, New York Governor, United States Senator and Secretary of State for both the Lincoln and Johnson administrations; and WHEREAS, Sympathetic to the plights of runaway slaves, William Henry Seward offered his home in Auburn as a stop on the Underground Railroad, where he hid slaves on their way to Canada; and WHEREAS, In 1867, William Henry Seward acquired Alaska for the United States from Russia; through the years he tried in vain to purchase Hawaii and the Dutch West Indies, as well as build a canal in Panama; all of which came to fruition long after his death; and WHEREAS, After a failed presidential bid in 1860, William Henry Seward served as President Abraham Lincoln's Secretary of State; in this capacity, he was instrumental in the passage of the Emancipation Proclamation; and WHEREAS, Bound to his roots, William Henry Seward was a vital part of the S.S. Seward Institute in Florida, New York, a school which his father founded in 1846; and WHEREAS, William Henry Seward will forever be remembered for his achievements in office, and for his foresight in anticipating the future needs of the United States; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity to express its highest admiration for William Henry Seward, and for all of the individuals who have worked to bring proper attention to an individual and time which merits recognition in the grand panorama of the history of our State and Nation; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 219th Birthday of William H. Seward, former New York State Senator, former New York State Governor, former United States Senator, former United States Secretary of State, and purchaser of Florida, New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Florida Historical Society.
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