Senate 6

SENATE RESOLUTION 66

(By Senator M. Maynard)

[Introduced March 14, 2026]

Designating March 14, 2026, as McDowell County day at the Legislature.

Whereas, What is now McDowell County, West Virginia, served as the location of the Sandy Creek Expedition of 1756, marking the first military alliance between the Cherokee and the British, an alliance that laid critical groundwork for British victory in the French and Indian War; and

Whereas, McDowell County became known as the “Free State,” reflecting its uniquely diverse population and its role as a cultural crossroads within the State of West Virginia; and

Whereas, McDowell County earned national recognition as the “Nation’s Coal Bin,” providing the coal that fueled the growth, industry, and economic expansion of both West Virginia and the United States; and

Whereas, McDowell County is the home of Minnie Buckingham Harper, the first African-American woman to serve in any state legislature in the United States, marking a historic milestone in American political representation; and

Whereas, McDowell County erected the first World War I Memorial in the nation, and also erected the first African-American World War I Memorial in the nation, further underscoring its legacy of recognition, inclusion, and respect for all who served; and

Whereas, The first municipal parking building in the United States was constructed in McDowell County, reflecting the county’s early embrace of modernization and infrastructure innovation; and

Whereas, The resilient people of McDowell County have rebuilt time and again from devastating floods, demonstrating extraordinary perseverance, unity, and community spirit; and

Whereas, McDowell County has embraced adventure tourism as a new economic frontier, welcoming visitors from across the nation to experience its natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and Appalachian heritage; and

Whereas, McDowell County continues to revitalize its culture, strengthen its communities, and pursue new economic opportunities, embodying the enduring spirit of all West Virginians; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby designates March 14, 2026, as McDowell County Day at the Legislature; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to a representative of the McDowell County Commission.