HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 552 Offered March 6, 2006 Commending Wise County on the occasion of its 150th  anniversary. ---------- Patrons-- Phillips and Kilgore ----------

WHEREAS, Wise County was formed in 1856 from parts of Lee, Scott, and Russell Counties and named in honor of the Governor then in office, Henry Alexander Wise; and

WHEREAS, Wise County lies in the heart of Virginia’s rich coal fields and its heritage stems from the early days of mining the rich coal seams of this southwestern Virginia region that also encompasses nearly 36,000 acres of the Jefferson National Forest;  and

WHEREAS, the Trail of the Lonesome Pine winds serenely through Wise County which is endowed with the scenic beauty of lofty High Knob and the tranquility of peaceful Powell Valley;  and

WHEREAS, Wise County is the home of the Southwest Virginia Museum and of noted author John Fox, Jr., who recorded forever in his novels the romance of mountain life, friendly communities, scenic beauty, and a wholesome quality of life; the longest continually running outdoor drama in Virginia which has been designated the “Official Outdoor Drama of Virginia” is based on his novel The Trail of the Lonesome Pine; and

WHEREAS, from the humble beginnings of a higher education system with Gladeville College many years ago, Wise County  is endowed with the only branch of the University of Virginia at a 400-acre campus in Wise, and Mountain Empire Community College in Big Stone Gap; and

WHEREAS, today’s Wise County offers an uncomplicated and wholesome lifestyle and a diverse mix of Fortune 500 companies, small business owners, professionals, and retailers; and

WHEREAS, the General Assembly of Virginia of recognizes this 150th anniversary in the history of Wise County; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly of Virginia hereby commend and recognize Wise County on its sesquicentennial anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Wise County Board of Supervisors as an expression of the General Assembly’s congratulations and best wishes for continued success in the future.