HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 95-4668, by Representatives Brumsickle, Chappell, Morris, Pennington and L. Thomas

       WHEREAS, The mission statement of the Lewis County Sesquicentennial Committee is "Celebrating the one hundredth fiftieth anniversary of Lewis County by revisiting the past and exploring the future"; and

       WHEREAS, Throughout 1995, the citizens of Lewis County are celebrating their heritage as Washington's first county.  The Sesquicentennial is a significant milestone for the county and provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reflect both on the past and the future of this area so rich in people, natural resources, history, and opportunity; and

       WHEREAS, Lewis County, Washington's first county, was created by the Oregon Territorial Legislature on December 21, 1845.  The legislature proclaimed "That all that portion of Oregon Territory lying north of the Columbia River and west of the Cowlitz up to 54'40" north latitude be and the same is hereby created and organized into a separate county by the name of Lewis County."  Because of its size, Lewis was known as "The Mother of All Counties"; and

       WHEREAS, The county's current borders were established shortly before Washington became a state in 1889.  Today, it is Washington's sixth largest county in land area.  With 2,423 square miles, it is the largest county west of the Cascade Mountains; and

       WHEREAS, Lewis County is named for Meriwether Lewis, the great explorer of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.  His explorations were key in claiming this part of North America for the United States and residents are proud to live in a county bearing his name; and

       WHEREAS, Lewis County is home to many of Washington "firsts":  The first United States District Court north of San Francisco was held at the Jackson Courthouse, a building that still stands today.  The oldest governmental records still in existence in Washington State are from the Board of Lewis County Commissioners in October 1847.  Simon Plamondon was the first white settler who settled near present day Toledo; and

       WHEREAS, Lewis County is rich in natural resources.  For the past 150 years, the land has provided a living to many of the county's citizens in agriculture, mining, and especially its vast forests.  Today, the county is enjoying greater economic diversity, but natural resources will always play a vital role to visitors and citizens alike;

       NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the state of Washington honor Lewis County during its Sesquicentennial year;

       BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to each member of the Lewis County Sesquicentennial Committee.

          I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

         Resolution 4668 adopted by the House of Representatives

                             April 18, 1995.

                     ________________________________

                      Timothy A. Martin, Chief Clerk