HORNELL, N.Y. (WENY) — State lawmakers visited the Hornell Erie Depot Museum on Monday to mark 175 years since the Erie Railroad first came through the city.
State Sen. Tom O’Mara, R-Big Flats, Assemblyman Phil Palmesano, R-Corning, and Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski, R-Canisteo, joined Hornell Mayor John Buckley at the museum on Loder Street. They presented copies of a legislative resolution recognizing the 175th anniversary of the railroad’s inaugural trip through Hornell.
The state Senate and Assembly passed the resolution unanimously in June.
According to the resolution, the anniversary is a chance to reflect on the railroad workers, civic leaders, historians, preservationists and community members who have preserved Hornell’s transportation heritage for future generations.
“The history is incredible, and important. Hornell wouldn’t be what it is today without the railroad,” O’Mara said.
O’Mara said smaller cities across the Southern Tier thrived on passenger rail service, and freight rail is still a strength for the region. He called Hornell an economic engine. The city is home to Alstom, which manufactures railroad cars.
“Here manufacturing continues in Hornell, which is such a great asset to the entire region,” O’Mara said.
The museum celebrates the city’s rail history. Museum President Stanley Hall said the recognition means a lot to the organization.
“We’re just a small museum, and to get this kind of recognition, it means a lot to us,” Hall said. “We’re very proud of it, and we’re going to continue to do what we can to make this a museum that people come and visit.”