110 HRES 16 EH: Recognizing Virginia’s James River as
U.S. House of Representatives
2007-07-30
text/xml
EN
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Whereas Virginia's James River is considered a great
natural asset of the United States for its historical, environmental, and
economic significance;
Whereas the first permanent English settlement in America
was founded on the banks of the James River at Jamestown, Virginia, in
1607;
Whereas, prior to European settlement, the James River was
known as Powhatan River, a name associated with Chief Powhatan, who was a key
figure in the relationship between the Native American tribes and the Jamestown
settlement;
Whereas, for thousands of years, the James River provided
a source of nourishment and enrichment to the Native American tribes that lived
along its course;
Whereas the James River played a critical role in the
founding of America by sustaining the early settlers with its bounty, providing
valuable commodities to build the emerging economy of a new colony, and serving
as a strategic transportation corridor that shaped the settlement and commerce
of the region;
Whereas the James River is one of America’s most historic
rivers with over 1,100 historic landmarks within its watershed;
Whereas the James River watershed is home to the first
colonial capital in America and to numerous founding fathers and presidents,
including Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, James Monroe, James Madison, William
Henry Harrison, and John Tyler;
Whereas the James River’s natural resources, scenic
beauty, and recreational opportunities continue to enhance the quality of life
of visitors and the people living along it;
Whereas Congress passed the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Act
of 2000, committing the Federal Government to achieve improved water quality
and improvements in the productivity of living resources in the James River, as
a tributary to the Chesapeake Bay;
Whereas the year 2007 marks the 400th anniversary of the
founding of Jamestown; and
Whereas, throughout 2006 and 2007, many events are planned
as part of America’s 400th Anniversary, which is an 18-month commemoration of
the historic events that occurred on and around the James River in 1607 and the
enduring world-wide significance of those historic events: Now, therefore, be
it
That the House of
Representatives—
(1)recognizes Virginia’s James River as
America’s Founding River
;
(2)recognizes the
extraordinary historic, economic, recreational, and environmental importance of
the James River;
(3)encourages the
people of the United States to observe and celebrate the James River’s
contribution to our Nation’s history with appropriate ceremonies and activities
during America’s 400th Anniversary; and
(4)recommits itself
to protecting and restoring the James River for the enjoyment and prosperity of
current and future generations.
Lorraine C. Miller,
Clerk.