[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Pages 11513-11514]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

 Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, on this 3rd day of June, in 
the year 2004, I am honored to commemorate the 250th birthday of 
Hampshire County. This historically and culturally rich county 
showcases the best of West Virginia, and I am very proud to represent 
the citizens of this great county.
  Hampshire County has a vibrant history beginning in the early 1700s, 
when tradesmen and hunters eager to begin a new life settled in the 
beautiful wilderness. Settlers, such as John and Job Pearsall, built 
houses in the area that would become known as Romney which has served 
as the county seat since 1762--some 200-plus years, which is longer 
than Washington, DC has served as our capital city.
  The history of Hampshire County encompasses many of the great 
conflicts in our Nation's early history. It was the turmoil of the 
French and Indian War that prevented official organization of the 
county in 1757, despite actual creation several years earlier. In 1794, 
men from Hampshire County serving under General Daniel Morgan took part 
in overcoming the Whiskey Rebellion. These brave men volunteered to 
quell the rebellion. The county also endured the Civil War, and was 
frequently occupied by either Confederate or Union Armies. In fact, 
according to surviving records, Romney changed hands at least 56 times 
which is more frequently than any other city during the Civil War 
except for Winchester, VA.
  Only a few years later, in 1870, Hampshire County became home to the 
State School for the Deaf and Blind through the efforts of Professor 
H.H. Johnson. The Romney Literary Society donated several buildings and 
land for the school, which was crucial to the decision regarding the 
school's location in

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Romney. The school now serves over 275 students on the 40-acre campus, 
and plays an integral role in the community.
  Today, Hampshire County continues to be a great asset to the State of 
West Virginia and our country. Hampshire County remains a pristine 
example of West Virginia's natural beauty. Its many rivers and streams 
flow through the county and provide residents and visitors alike with 
recreational and fishing opportunities. An area along the South Branch 
of the Potomac River, known as the Trough, is visited frequently by 
those hoping to view the bald eagles that occupy the area. Ice Mountain 
is another excellent location to observe eagles and the beautiful West 
Virginia scenery viewed from its peak. Ice Mountain contains small 
caves where ice can be found throughout the hot summer days. Hampshire 
County is a fine example of all West Virginia has to offer--its sense 
of history and culture, its fine citizens, and its natural beauty.
  Since its beginning, courageous settlers, who returned time and again 
to Hampshire County, laid the foundation that is now a well-known trait 
of all West Virginians--loyalty to the State they love. I am proud to 
recognize Hampshire County, WV, on its 250th anniversary.

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