HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 9

(By Delegate Hillenbrand)

[Introduced January 10, 2024; referred to the Committee on Technology and Infrastructure then Rules]

Requesting the Division of Highways name a section of WV Route 46, locally known as the Beryl Road and Shaw Road extending from the North Branch of the Potomac River at Piedmont WV to the Kantor Cutoff between 39.47994830263841, -79.06627907466128 and 39.427643533576884, -79.09318170874904 , the "Private Jefferson Howell Memorial Road".

Whereas, Jefferson Howell was born March 1845, in the Savage River Valley of Garrett County, Maryland and

Whereas, on the outbreak of the Civil War, Jefferson Howell entered the U.S. armed services, by enlisting in Company D, of the Third Maryland Potomac Home Brigade on 14 September 1861; and

Whereas, though nominally a Maryland unit, this unit was, in fact, composed of residents of what is now West Virginia who wanted an opportunity to fight for the Union, and was outfitted by the patriotic impetus of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad; and,

Whereas, Jefferson Howell and his comrades saw action in numerous engagements while serving in this regiment, seeing action at Franklin, Moorefield, and Wardensville, before he and his regiment were surrendered to the enemy at Harper's Ferry on 15 September 1862 in the second largest surrender of United States forces in history; and

Whereas, Jefferson Howell and his comrades spent a year on parole before returning to active service; and

Whereas, on their return to active duty they again engaged the enemy at the Battle of Monocacy in Frederick, Maryland, where, though defeated, their vigorous resistance delayed Early’s Army of the Valley long enough to prevent a major assault on Washington, D.C.; and  

Whereas, Jefferson Howell continued in his country’s service until he was honorably discharged on 14 September 1864, last seeing action in the battle of Berryville in August of that year; and

Whereas, It is fitting that an enduring memorial be established to commemorate Private Jefferson Howell and the loyal West Virginians like him who served in this gallant regiment in service to our state and country; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to name WV Rte 46 locally known as the Beryl Road and Shaw Road extending from the Potomac River at Piedmont to the Kantor Cutoff and, the "Private Jefferson Howell Memorial Road"."; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to have made and be placed signs at both ends identifying the portion of road as the "Private Jefferson Howell Memorial Road"; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House forward a copy of this resolution to the Commissioner of the Division of Highways.