Jon L. Christensen: “H. Res. 16 would grant the recognition of the House to Virginia's James River as ``America's Founding River.'' The…”

“H. Res. 16 would grant the recognition of the House to Virginia's James River as ``America's Founding River.'' The resolution was introduced by our colleague, Representative Jo Ann Davis of Virginia. The James River rises in the Allegheny Mountains and flows to the Chesapeake Bay. It is one of the longest rivers in our country to lie in a single state. Mr. Speaker, Native Americans gave the name of their great chief Powhatan to the river that nourished the tribes along its banks. In 1607, when English colonists established their first permanent settlement in America, they named the river--and their new town--after King James the First. The James River sustained those early settlers, supported the growth of the first colonial capital in American, and provided a route for the first westwardbound pioneers. The land along the James was home to many of our founding fathers and presidents, and great mansions still grace its shores. Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 16 would grant the recognition of the House to the historic, economic, recreational and environmental importance of the James River and encourages the people of the U.S. to celebrate the contributions of the river to our Nation's history as part of the ceremonies and activities during Jamestown's 400th anniversary.”