GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1999

H	1 

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 1464*

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Sponsors: Representatives Culpepper and Rogers.

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Referred to:  Rules, Calendar and Operations of the House.

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May 6, 1999

A JOINT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING WASHINGTON COUNTY UPON ITS BICENTENNIAL AND HONORING GEORGE WASHINGTON, FOR WHOM THE COUNTY IS NAMED.
Whereas, Washington County was formed in 1799 from Tyrrell County, and named for George Washington, the first President of the United States; and
Whereas, the first county seat was the Town of Roper earlier known as Lee's Mill where the first wood-framed courthouse was built; and
Whereas, in 1823 the General Assembly passed an act moving the county seat from Lee's Mill to Plymouth; and
Whereas, Washington County is an area rich in history; and
Whereas, Washington County served in the 1700s and 1800s as a major port, and the area prospered with rich agricultural and shipping resources until the Civil War; and
Whereas, the local culture reflects the pride instilled in each and every citizen as to their history; and
Whereas, the local Port O'Plymouth Museum located in Plymouth on the historic Roanoke River displays artifacts and documentation as to the rich heritage of the County specifically regarding the Civil War era; and
Whereas, there are many projects underway to restore and enhance historical sites throughout the County including the Roanoke River Lighthouse Reconstruction; and
Whereas, Washington County has prided itself on being an agriculturally based county, but maintains a diversified workforce for local industry particularly in wood and paper products; and
Whereas, Washington County is a haven for people who enjoy hunting, fishing, camping, or hiking whether it be on the Albemarle Sound, Roanoke River, Scuppernong River, Lake Phelps, one of the many creeks, in one of the reserves rich in wildlife, or in Pettigrew State Park; and
Whereas, the County Commissioners have appointed a Bicentennial Committee that has been working diligently developing the County's history and recently published Washington County, North Carolina - "A Tapestry."; and
Whereas, the Bicentennial Committee is scheduling events celebrating the bicentennial during the months of September through November of 1999; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
Section 1.  The General Assembly honors the life and memory of George Washington and expresses appreciation for the contributions he made to this country.  The General Assembly congratulates Washington County on its bicentennial and joins the County's citizens in celebrating the County's bicentennial.
Section 2.  The Secretary of State shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the Chair of the Washington County Board of Commissioners and to the County Manager.
Section 3.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.