Paolo Busti's contribution to the development of WNY has been overlooked. His foresight and business acumen were important to the settlement of Holland Land Company sales.

Born and educated in Milan, Italy, Busti's business talents surfaced in Dutch banks. His reputation for industry and scrupulous honesty spurred an offer to be a representative of the company in the United States of America. Named General Agent in 1799, Busti received title to all the company lands, represented Dutch investors and could even defend their interests in court.

[west plaque]


Busti donated land and money for churches, inns, courthouses, schools, roads, and the canal. Integrity and honesty governed his decisions. Refusing to sell to speculators, he promoted sales to settlers with low prices, long credit, and every necessary accommodation. He believed the settlers' industriousness and enterprise would develop the area's resources.

To the industrious and indigent, Paolo Busti was a friend. The Batavia Times said he was: "Benevolent, kind, generous and humane - the patron of religion - the friend, the benefactor, and the ornament of man." So should he be remembered.

[east plaque]


Busti appointed as his local agent Joseph Ellicott who later wished to name this settlement after Busti who humbly declined and recommended naming it after the Republic of Batavia honoring the Dutch investors. Busti encouraged actual development of the area, promoted policies designed for the benefit of settlers by donating land for public uses and paying construction costs. Land given for the canal assured WYN's [sic] position in industry and trade. His policies helped forge the basis for New York to become the Empire State.

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