[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 21 (Monday, February 9, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S854]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     WEST JEFFERSON, NORTH CAROLINA

  Mr. BURR. Mr. President, I wish to pay tribute to the town of West 
Jefferson, NC. Today, February 9 is the 100th anniversary of the 
charter of this historical town that has become a vibrant community 
attracting tourists, artists, entrepreneurs, retirees and young 
families.
  Development of rural farmland into a town resulted from extending a 
railroad line into it. Construction of roadbeds and trestles for the 
steel rails took place in 1914, and depots were created as loading 
spots. When people of this area learned that the railroad was coming, 
speculators made investments in villages that would be affected. A new 
village was also created. The West Jefferson Land Company mapped a 
farming area in a valley between two mountains and sold lots for 
commercial and residential uses. Developers and their purchasers were 
ready when the first train arrived. The West Jefferson depot was 
central and most prominent. As part of its official recognition by the 
State Legislature in 1915, the town acquired for its governance a mayor 
and aldermen.
  Passenger service was added by the railroad company and enjoyed by 
many. Then, as the years went by, personal automobiles, paved roads, 
freight trucks and passenger buses created new transportation options. 
There were no more large tracts of virgin timber to be harvested. 
Railroad operation declined in profitability and the end came in 1977. 
The rails were taken up and trains became a romantic memory for the 
people of West Jefferson. Trains remain today as images which we see in 
the local history museum diorama and in some of the beautiful murals on 
downtown buildings. Murals, galleries, studios and dynamic programs now 
identify West Jefferson as an arts community, enhancing its image as a 
desirable place in which to live.
  The town of West Jefferson has received many accolades for its 
business and family-friendly environment, low cost of living, lively 
rebirth of its downtown district, and many other aspects. I join the 
fine people of West Jefferson as its citizens and leaders celebrate 
this historic 100th anniversary.

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