HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 98
(By Mr. Speaker, Mr. Kiss, and Delegates Doyle, Tabb,
Wysong and Michael)
Urging the West Virginia Congressional Delegation to support
legislation calling for federal approval of extension of the
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.
Whereas, The Lewis and Clark Journey began in the mind of
President Thomas Jefferson; and
Whereas, The Lewis and Clark Expedition is about President
Jefferson's dream, the planning and preparation required for an
early 19th-century military expedition, and then finally about the
journey itself; and
Whereas, The journey was led by Meriwether Lewis and William
Clark, who were assisted by a variety of Americans, including the
country's native peoples; and
Whereas, The Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation supports
recognition of a continuous trail across the country on the
National Park Service's official trail map and the right to post
the official trail signs - Two Captains Pointing the Way - which
are posted throughout the West; and
Whereas, Lewis undertook his first act as commander of the
"Corps of Discovery" by requsitioning rifles manufactured at
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, from the federal armory in that town; andWhereas, The extension of the Lewis and Clark National Historic
Trail from coast to coast would complete the story and expose a
broader base of Americans to the educational and cultural aspects
of the expedition; and
Whereas, The Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation partners
with the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management and
the Forest Service in caring for the Lewis and Clark National
Historic Trail and also supports scholarships, educational efforts,
and research on the expedition; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the West Virginia Legislature hereby urges the West
Virginia Congressional Delegation to support legislation calling
for federal approval of extension of the Lewis and Clark National
Historic Trail to the East to include additional sites, including
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, associated with the preparation or
return phase of the expedition; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates,
forward a certified copy of this resolution to each member of the
West Virginia Congressional Delegation.