[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 101 (Monday, July 9, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S4788]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                         SOPHIA, WEST VIRGINIA

 Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to bring 
attention to a small town in my home State. Sophia, WV, began its 100-
year anniversary celebration on June 2, 2012, and will hold a litany of 
festive events throughout most of the summer.
  Many of you present today will recall that Sophia is the town our 
dear friend and colleague, Senator Robert C. Byrd, so often referred to 
when he spoke of his home among the hills. This beautiful community 
served as his and Erma's haven for much of their lives.
  The town of Sophia is reportedly named for Sophia Gravley McGinnis, 
who was born 200 years ago, in 1812. Mrs. McGinnis and her husband, 
Pyrrhus McGinnis, owned nearly 2,000 acres of land in and around the 
area according to the family's historical documents. Sophia became the 
first official citizen and its endeared namesake when the town 
incorporated in 1912. She went on to live to the ripe age of 104 years 
old and died in March of 1916. She is buried near Flat Top, WV.
  Many times over, Senator Byrd reflected on his and Erma's time in 
Sophia, fondly remembering the friendships and once-bustling economy. 
Historically, the town of Sophia was known as the epicenter of the 
Winding Gulf region where countless tons of coal have been mined and 
transported all over the world via the extensive rail network 
intersecting the region.
  Senator Byrd is certainly Sophia's favorite son. The memories he 
shared so freely with all of us act as a reminder of the importance of 
coal and its far-reaching impact on the State of West Virginia and our 
Nation. They also bring to mind the tremendous character of the people 
who helped create those memories and how they helped guide him in his 
duties as the longest serving member of the Congress.
  Unfortunately, as with many towns across our great land, Sophia fell 
on hard times for a number of years. With the march of technology and 
the mechanization of the coal industry, fewer men were needed to mine 
coal and service the railroads, causing Sophia's population to quickly 
dwindle. Grocers and markets and small shops began to close their 
doors. Schools helping to educate the children of Sophia were 
consolidated. The town soon became a shell of its former glory.
  However, like other parts of West Virginia that have experienced 
decline, the citizens of the town of Sophia never gave up. Their story 
continues today and proves to be a testament of the talented and 
dedicated residents living there. Many of the efforts to revitalize 
this rural village have resulted in enormous success. Economic 
development initiatives have culminated in a bright future for Sophia 
that includes an economy of growth and a renewal of the spirit that 
lies deep within the hearts of the people Senator Byrd held in such 
high regard.
  Evidence of the revitalization in the town of Sophia includes the 
opening of the Affinity Coal mining operation and the regular passage 
of railcars once again full of coal. Burning Rock Outdoor Adventure 
Park is bringing visitors from all across the Nation and the rich 
heritage of the coal industry is creating new tourism proposals and 
interest in the studies of mine safety and engineering. The young men 
and women of Sophia are no longer forced to leave their homes to find 
gainful employment because opportunities are once again available to 
them and their families.
  All of these measures bring me to the floor to recognize what should 
be considered a shining example of dedication and commitment in times 
of hardship and adversity. On behalf of the people of the town of 
Sophia, it brings me great pride to present this statement in 
recognition of a community spirit that has fostered ongoing 
transformation, while always holding true to a history rich with 
fortitude.

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