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2004 SESSION


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 139
Commending Prince Edward County on the occasion of its 250th anniversary.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 16, 2004
Agreed to by the Senate, January 22, 2004

WHEREAS, on January 1, 1754, by Colonial Act, Prince Edward County, located primarily in the Appomattox River Basin of Virginia's Piedmont, was established as a separate entity by the General Assembly; and

WHEREAS, in 2004, Prince Edward County celebrates its 250th anniversary and two and a half centuries of rich cultural history, economic growth and prosperity, and the achievements of a vibrant community; and

WHEREAS, in its early history, Prince Edward County became a thriving distribution center of agriculture, forestry and related products, utilizing major shipping routes along the Appomattox River and capitalizing on the nation's expanding railroad system; and

WHEREAS, an early leader in higher education, Prince Edward County is home to Longwood University, the first teacher training college in Virginia, chartered in 1839, and Hampden-Sydney College, the tenth-oldest institution of higher learning in the nation; and

WHEREAS, during the bleak days of segregation, a courageous and determined African-American community staged a school boycott in 1951, and residents of Prince Edward County found themselves at the center of one of the most important court cases in United States history, Brown v. Board of Education; and

WHEREAS, located on Prince Edward County's northern edge and fundamental to the success and prosperity of the region, the Town of Farmville was formed in 1798, incorporated in 1912, and since 1872 has served as the seat of the county courthouse and local government; and

WHEREAS, supported by creative and innovative citizens and business leaders, a stable county economy today is fueled not only by agricultural commerce, but trade, manufacturing, service, tourism, retail and other growing industries providing Prince Edward County with diverse opportunities and a bright economic future; and

WHEREAS, Prince Edward County is the birthplace of many notable Virginians, including Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston; Dr. Vernon Johns, civil rights leader; J. B. Fuqua, entrepreneur-philanthropist; Blanche Kelso Bruce, first African-American United States Senator; and Roy Clark, popular country music star; and

WHEREAS, Prince Edward County is the home of many distinguished Americans including Patrick Henry, Dr. Walter Reed, and Robert Russa Moton; and

WHEREAS, surviving the division of the Civil War, hardship and suffering during the World Wars, catastrophic damage by fire to the Town of Farmville in 1858 and 1898, severe flood loss due to Hurricanes Camille in 1969 and Agnes in 1972, and the grievous fire of Longwood University in 2001, Prince Edward County has endured and persevered as a healthy and vigorous community; and

WHEREAS, throughout 2004 residents and visitors will enjoy numerous festivities and special observances celebrating the illustrious and colorful history, immense spirit, and great pride of Prince Edward County; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Prince Edward County on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the founding of one of the Commonwealth's most prosperous and hospitable counties; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the 250th Anniversary Commission, the Board of Supervisors, and the exceptional citizens of Prince Edward County as an expression of the General Assembly's congratulations and best wishes.