A JOINT RESOLUTION HONORING THE FOUNDERS OF TRANSYLVANIA COUNTY ON THE OCCASION OF THE COUNTY'S ONE HUNDRED FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY.
Whereas, Transylvania County was formed from Henderson and Jackson Counties by an act of the State Legislature in 1861; and
Whereas, the act was introduced by Hendersonville attorney and representative of the House of Commons in the General Assembly, Joseph P. Jordan; and
Whereas, Transylvania County's name was derived from the words trans ("across") and silva or sylva ("woods"); and
Whereas, the many tributes and events of historical importance make Transylvania County truly unique; and
Whereas, the City of Brevard, laid out on land donated by Braxton C. Lankford, Leander S. Gash, and Alex F. England, was established as the county seat in 1868 and was named for Dr. Ephraim Brevard, who helped write the Declaration of Independence for Mecklenburg County and served his burgeoning young nation as a surgeon during the American Revolution; and
Whereas, perhaps the most widely known pioneer family in the County's past, the Gillespie family (formerly Gillaspie), has had a historical impact reaching far beyond the upper French Broad River as the founders of Transylvania County's famed clan of gunsmiths. The father, John Gillespie, also fought in the American Revolution and has been added to the honored roll of veterans of the American War for Independence who were laid to rest in Transylvania County; and
Whereas, in 1902, Joseph S. and Elizabeth Mount Silversteen came to Transylvania County as a young couple and embarked on a lifetime of business and civic leadership. The Silversteen family provided jobs for thousands of people throughout the County at their Toxaway Tanning, Gloucester Lumber, and Rosman Tanning Extract companies in Rosman and Transylvania Tanning in Brevard. The Silversteen's legacy of civic and cultural involvement continues to benefit the citizens of Transylvania County today; and
Whereas, the original Brevard Rosenwald School for African‑Americans was constructed in 1920 and was a place of learning and of celebrating one's identity and, furthermore, emphasized the need for the students themselves to be caring, compassionate citizens; and
Whereas, Transylvania County became the State's first public school system to integrate, beginning in 1963, and became fully integrated in 1966, and Brevard High School was the first North Carolina high school to field integrated athletic teams, beginning with its 1963 State champion football team; and
Whereas, Brevard College, an internationally recognized liberal arts institution, formed in 1853, is the oldest college or university in the mountains of Western North Carolina; and
Whereas, residents of Transylvania County take pride in the cultural resources in the County, including the Brevard Music Center, an internationally known summer institute which provides outstanding opportunities for students to learn and work with some of music's acknowledged professionals; an excellent public library known statewide for its high usage and contributions to the community's cultural life; a public school system recognized across North Carolina as of the highest caliber; a broad faith community, with churches throughout the County; and a remarkable array of rich, indigenous mountain music and renowned arts and crafts; and
Whereas, Transylvania County is known as the "Land of Waterfalls," as it is blessed with over 250 waterfalls, partially due to the fact that parts of Transylvania County receive the largest amount of rainfall in the State; and
Whereas, the Blue Ridge Parkway traverses parts of the County, affording spectacular views of the Appalachian Mountains, which reach over 6,000 in feet elevation in the County, with the highest point being Chestnut Knob, which lies northwest of the county seat; and
Whereas, the Cradle of Forestry in America is a 6,500‑acre historic site within the Pisgah National Forest which attracts more than 40,000 visitors annually. Officially established in 1968, its roots begin with Carl Schenck's Biltmore Forest School, the first forestry school in America. The Cradle's Forest Discovery Center offers visitors a hands‑on experience in conservation, history, and resource management, telling the story of the history of the area and early forest practices; and
Whereas, Transylvania County citizens have always answered the call to serve in our nation's military forces in peace and wartime. Beginning with the Spanish‑American War, through World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, Vietnam, the Gulf War, and now in Iraq and Afghanistan, our citizens were there. Both men and women served willingly and honorably in the United States Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and the Coast Guard. Some did not return, answering the ultimate call; and
Whereas, Transylvania County has contributed to the social, economic, cultural, and political prosperity of the State of North Carolina; and
Whereas, Transylvania County has continued to grow and prosper through the continued dedication, insight, and planning of the County's concerned leaders and citizens; and
Whereas, Transylvania County has a population of approximately 30,000 people; and
Whereas, Transylvania County is divided into nine townships: Balsam Grove, Brevard, Catheys Creek, Cedar Mountain, Dunns Rock, Lake Toxaway, Little River, Pisgah Forest, and Rosman; and
Whereas, plans have been made to celebrate Transylvania County's 150th historic anniversary throughout 2011; and
Whereas, this occasion is worthy of celebration and should be enjoyed and supported by all North Carolinians; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:
SECTION 1.  The General Assembly honors the founders of Transylvania County and encourages the citizens of this State to join Transylvania County in demonstrating respect for their history and heritage during the County's 150th anniversary.
SECTION 2.  The Secretary of State shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the Chair of the Transylvania County Board of Commissioners.
SECTION 3.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.