[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 78 (Friday, June 16, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6012-S6013]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



  (At the request of Mr. Reid, the following statement was ordered to 
be printed in the Record.)

              100TH ANNIVERSARY OF MADISON, WEST VIRGINIA

 Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, it is with great honor that I 
recognize the 100th anniversary of the founding of the town of Madison, 
WV. A celebration will take place this month, and I would like to take 
this opportunity to speak for a few moments about this wonderful 
Appalachian community. Madison was incorporated as the county seat of 
Boone County, which it remains today. It is also the home of a number 
of exemplary schools and dedicated churches. Madison has long been 
noted for its rich coal mining heritage, and was named for Colonel 
William Madison Peyton, pioneer coal operator and leader of the 
movement that led to the establishment of Boone County.
  A significant percentage of Madison residents are employed by coal 
mining corporations, or related businesses. That makes it fitting that 
the township is the home of the Bituminous Coal Heritage Foundation 
Museum and the location of the West Virginia Coal Festival. Each year, 
thousands of people travel to Madison for this festival to celebrate 
coal heritage. This year, the festival will include a memorial service 
to the 18 West Virginians who tragically lost their lives in recent 
months in mining accidents. In light of these events, along with State 
and local officials and I have been working to better ensure the safety 
of all West Virginia coal miners. Another important asset to the City 
of Madison is Boone Memorial Hospital which serves the community with 
personalized care and respect for all in need of medical attention.
  The town of Madison is the historical site of a crucial Union victory 
during

[[Page S6013]]

the Civil War. The Battle of Boone County Courthouse, the name of the 
town before it was known as Madison, occurred early in the war on 
September 1, 1861, at a time when the Union army had suffered many 
devastating defeats. The original court house in Madison was burned by 
Union soldiers as a result of the skirmish. Madison's centennial 
celebration will take place on the grounds of the restored structure.
  On the grounds of that courthouse stands a memorial to soldiers who 
died in service of their Nation. Madison and Boone County, as all of 
West Virginia, have given more than its share of brave men and women to 
the service of our Nation. Boone countians are fiercely patriotic and 
dedicated to their families, their community and their God. They are 
resilient and determined, having suffered the ups and downs of the coal 
economy. They are also kind-hearted people. When I first came to West 
Virginia as a young man in the VISTA program over 40 years ago, it was 
to a community on the Boone-Kanawha county line. The people of that 
community taught me so much and forever changed my life. I will forever 
have a special place in my heart for Boone County, the town of Madison, 
and their residents. I certainly wish the town and its people the best 
for the centennial celebration and much success during the next 100 
years.
  I hope my fellow Senators and fellow West Virginians will join me in 
celebrating this special occasion, the centennial of Madison, 
WV.

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