SENATE RESOLUTION 38
(By Senator Maynard)
[Introduced March 19, 2025]
Designating March 20, 2025, as Mingo County Day at the Legislature.
Whereas, Mingo County, West Virginia, was created in 1895, and is the youngest county in the state; and
Whereas, The county’s name comes from the Mingo people, an Iroquoian group of Native Americans who migrated from New York; and
Whereas, Mingo County is best known for its rich history and role as a booming coal mining community with commercial mining beginning in 1890. They are also well known for the West Virginia Mine Wars (1912-1922), and the Battle of Matewan. An integral part of this county’s history is the Baldwin-Felts Detective Agency that resulted in numerous deaths including the mayor, helping to create a fascinating and interesting background; and
Whereas, Mingo County residents have once again endured a catastrophic event with the flooding this past February 2025, ranking second to the flood that occurred in 1977; and
Whereas, Mingo County residents came together along with the emergency responders in search and rescue in support of their community to help every resident and business, displaying their resilience and fighting spirit; and
Whereas, Mingo County, through its challenges and spirited history, has developed a thriving tourism industry with the Hatfield-McCoy Trail hosting annual events, and it has brought about the King Coal Festival, preserved the Matewan Historic District as a National Historic Landmark, and the Rockhouse-Devil Anse and Buffalo Mountain Trail Systems with over 100 miles of a variety of hiking paths at all levels; and
Whereas, In today’s economic climate, Mingo County strives to maintain its economy and is working to diversify their existing resources into a more productive future for their residents; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate hereby designates March 20, 2025, as Mingo County Day at the Legislature; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Senate hereby recognizes Mingo County and its rich history and contributions to the state; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the appropriate representative at the Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce.