SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 28
(By Senators Deem, Boley, Anderson, Bailey, Ball, Bowman, Chafin,
Craigo, Dittmar, Edgell, Fanning, Helmick, Hunter, Jackson,
Kessler, Love, McCabe, McKenzie, Minard, Minear, Mitchell,
Oliverio, Plymale, Redd, Ross, Schoonover, Sharpe, Snyder,
Sprouse, Unger, Walker, Wooton and Tomblin, Mr. President)
)
Recognizing the bicentennial of Wood County, West Virginia, a
county rich with history and which is vital to the economic
stability of West Virginia.
Whereas, On December 21, 1798, the Virginia General Assembly
passed an act for the separation of Harrison County. The act,
which was effective May 1, 1799, created a new county which was
named for Virginia Governor James Wood; and
Whereas, The newly formed Wood County benefited from its
desirable location in the Mid-Ohio Valley, halfway between the
urban centers of Pittsburgh and Cincinnati; and
Whereas, During the Civil War, Wood County was divided
greatly, with large numbers of men serving on both sides. However,
the region was protected by Union troops from Confederate raiders
because of its vital importance as a transportation center
connecting the east with the midwest; and
Whereas, Union sentiment prevailed in Wood County and several of its political leaders were at the forefront of the formation of
the State of West Virginia in 1863; and
Whereas, Wood County has the honor of being the birthplace of
West Virginia's first governor, Arthur I. Boreman, and one of its
first U. S. senators, Peter G. VanWinkle; and
Whereas, The early development of the oil and gas industries
in Wood County produced phenomenal growth. Wood County became a
major refinery center and producer of rigging and drilling
equipment; and
Whereas, Following the decline of the oil and gas industry in
Wood County after the great depression, Wood County revitalized
itself with new industries, including chemical, plastics, glass and
metals industries. This new revitalization also brought about a
cultural and educational renaissance evidenced by the founding of
two colleges, an arts center, theater groups, historical societies,
library, choral society, a state museum and park. All of this
revitalization continues today in Wood County; and
Whereas, Wood County is poised to begin its third century and
the new millennium by carrying on the tradition of progress that
has marked its character from its inception; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate hereby recognizes Wood County, West Virginia
on the occasion of its 200th anniversary; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Senate hereby extends its sincere appreciation to Wood County for the many contributions it has made
to the economic stability of West Virginia through its oil and gas,
chemical, plastic, glass and metal industries; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward
a copy of this resolution to the appropriate officials of Wood
County who are preparing for the May 1, 1999, bicentennial.