[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 195 (Thursday, December 15, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1306]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE TREATY OF HARTFORD

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                        HON. JOSEPH SEMPOLINSKI

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 15, 2022

  Mr. SEMPOLINSKI. Madam Speaker, this week marks the anniversary of 
the Treaty of Hartford. Prior to 1786, the States of Massachusetts and 
New York had a territorial dispute regarding whether the territory of 
what is now Greater Western New York would be part of Massachusetts or 
New York.
  On December 16, 1786, the Treaty of Hartford resolved this dispute. 
As part of the treaty, land in Greater Western New York became part of 
New York State. However, Massachusetts retained the right of 
preemption, that is, the right to negotiate any land purchase from the 
Iroquois Confederacy members or Haudenosaunee, especially the Seneca 
people who then resided and continue to reside on it to this day. Later 
in 1788, Massachusetts sold this right of preemption to Oliver Phelps 
and Nathaniel Gorham.
  Early agreements such as the Treaty of Hartford and the still-binding 
Treaty of Canandaigua shaped the future of Greater Western New York. 
The beginning of this region's association with New York State started 
this week, in 1786. The region continues to be a vital and unique part 
of the northeastern United States and the Seneca Nation, with a unique 
economy, culture, and character.

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