A HOUSE RESOLUTION honoring Mitchell county's one hundred FIFTIETH anniversary.
Whereas, Mitchell County, North Carolina, was formed on February 16, 1861, and is celebrating the one hundred fiftieth year of its founding; and
Whereas, Mitchell County was named after Dr. Elijah Mitchell, noted scientist, scholar, and explorer, who died in 1857; and
Whereas, Mitchell County is the home to Roan Mountain, which has some of the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the world, supports several miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Appalachian Trail, and is the world's premier source of valuable minerals; and
Whereas, Mitchell County is home of the Spruce Pine Mining District, a 10‑by‑25‑mile region rich in feldspar, quartz, kaolin, mica, and gemstone deposits, which are featured at the Museum of North Carolina Minerals located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway; and
Whereas, the Blue Ridge Parkway forms the southern boundary of Mitchell County, and, since the Parkway's arrival in 1939, it has brought new jobs to and increased tourism in the region and continues to play a major role in the economic development of Mitchell County; and
Whereas, Mitchell County and its citizens support the annual North Carolina Rhododendron Festival, the annual North Carolina Mineral and Gem Festival, and numerous community events throughout the year; and
Whereas, Mitchell County is home of the world‑famous Penland School of Crafts and also home to seven of North Carolina's Living Treasures; and
Whereas, Mitchell County residents have proudly and faithfully served Mitchell County, the great State of North Carolina, and the United States of America in war and peace; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
SECTION 1.  The House of Representatives honors the memory of Dr. Elijah Mitchell and encourages the citizens of this State to participate in activities celebrating the 150th anniversary of Mitchell County.
SECTION 2.  The Principal Clerk shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the Chair of the Mitchell County Board of Commissioners.
SECTION 3.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.