A JOINT RESOLUTION honoring the founders of the Town of Bladenboro on the town's 100th anniversary.
Whereas, the area that would later become the Town of Bladenboro began with a land grant of 200 acres to Rohan Redin in 1779; and
Whereas, in 1857, Robert Tate arrived in the area from Scotland and established a turpentine distillery; and
Whereas, in 1885, brothers R.L. and H.C. Bridger moved to the Town from South Carolina and later established a number of businesses which produced or manufactured turpentine, cotton, and farming supplies; and
Whereas, the Bridger family continued to contribute to the Town by founding the Bank of Bladenboro and Bladenboro Cotton Mills; and
Whereas, the success of the Town was due in part to the railroad which aided in distributing the products produced in the Town and attracting new industry and citizens; and
Whereas, in the early 1890s, the Town was the site of an academy, the largest educational facility of its kind in the State at that time; and
Whereas, the Town was incorporated on February 12, 1903, by an act of the General Assembly; and
Whereas, the Town's first officers were D.B. Edwards, Mayor, and H.C. Bridger, Council Thompson, and Alexander Shaw, Commissioners; and
Whereas, the Town has continued to grow, improve, and prosper as a result of continued dedication, insight, and planning of its leaders and over 1,700 citizens; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:
SECTION 1.  The General Assembly honors the founders of the Town of Bladenboro.
SECTION 2.  The General Assembly congratulates the Town of Bladenboro on its 100th anniversary and encourages the people of this State to participate in activities commemorating this special occasion.
SECTION 3.  The Secretary of State shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the Mayor of the Town of Bladenboro.
SECTION 4.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.