Senate 59

SENATE RESOLUTION 59

(By Senator M. Maynard)

[Introduced March 5, 2026]

Designating March 6, 2026, as Mingo County Day at the Legislature.

Whereas, Mingo County, West Virginia, was formed in 1895, and is the youngest county in the state; and

Whereas, Mingo County’s name originated from the Mingo Indians, an Iroquoian group of Native Americans who migrated from New York; and

Whereas, Mingo County is best known for its rich history and role as a booming coal mining community with commercial mining beginning in 1890.  Mingo County is also known for the West Virginia Mine Wars (1912-1922) and the Battle of Matewan (1920); and

Whereas, An integral part of this county’s history is the Baldwin-Felts Detective Agency that resulted in numerous deaths, including the mayor, marking a turning point in the battle for miners’ rights, while also serving to create a fascinating and interesting testimony to the hardships of the coal mining industry; and

Whereas, Mingo County, through its challenges and spirited history, has developed a thriving tourism industry with the Hatfield-McCoy Trail hosting annual events, resulting in the King Coal Festival; preserving the Matewan Historic District as a National Historic Landmark; and the Rockhouse-Devil Anse and Buffalo Mountain Trail Systems with over 100 miles of a variety of hiking paths at all levels; and

Whereas, In today’s economic climate, Mingo County strives to maintain its economy and works diligently to diversify its existing resources into a more productive future for residents; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby designates March 6, 2026, as Mingo County Day at the Legislature; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Senate hereby recognizes Mingo County and its rich history and contributions to the state; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the appropriate representative at the Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce.