IV 
110TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION 
H. RES. 16 
Recognizing Virginia’s James River as ‘‘America’s Founding River’’. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
JANUARY 4, 2007 
Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia submitted the following resolution; which was 
referred to the Committee on Natural Resources 
RESOLUTION 
Recognizing Virginia’s James River as ‘‘America’s Founding 
River’’. 
Whereas Virginia’s James River is considered a great natural 
asset of the United States for its historical, environ-
mental, and economic significance; 
Whereas the first permanent English settlement in America 
was founded on the banks of the James River at James-
town, Virginia, in 1607; 
Whereas, prior to European settlement, the James River was 
known as Powhatan River, a name associated with Chief 
Powhatan, who was a key figure in the relationship be-
tween the Native American tribes and the Jamestown 
settlement; 
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•HRES 16 IH 
Whereas, for thousands of years, the James River provided 
a source of nourishment and enrichment to the Native 
American tribes that lived along its course; 
Whereas the James River played a critical role in the found-
ing of America by sustaining the early settlers with its 
bounty, providing valuable commodities to build the 
emerging economy of a new colony, and serving as a stra-
tegic transportation corridor that shaped the settlement 
and commerce of the region; 
Whereas the James River is one of America’s most historic 
rivers with over 1,100 historic landmarks within its wa-
tershed; 
Whereas the James River watershed is home to the first colo-
nial capital in America and to numerous founding fathers 
and presidents, including Thomas Jefferson, Patrick 
Henry, James Monroe, James Madison, William Henry 
Harrison, and John Tyler; 
Whereas the James River’s natural resources, scenic beauty, 
and recreational opportunities continue to enhance the 
quality of life of visitors and the people living along it; 
Whereas Congress passed the Chesapeake Bay Restoration 
Act of 2000, committing the Federal Government to 
achieve improved water quality and improvements in the 
productivity of living resources in the James River, as a 
tributary to the Chesapeake Bay; 
Whereas the year 2007 marks the 400th anniversary of the 
founding of Jamestown; and 
Whereas, throughout 2006 and 2007, many events are 
planned as part of America’s 400th Anniversary, which 
is an 18-month commemoration of the historic events 
that occurred on and around the James River in 1607 
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•HRES 16 IH 
and the enduring world-wide significance of those historic 
events: Now, therefore, be it 
Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 
(1) recognizes Virginia’s James River as 
‘‘America’s Founding River’’; 
(2) recognizes the extraordinary historic, eco-
nomic, recreational, and environmental importance 
of the James River; 
(3) encourages the people of the United States 
to observe and celebrate the James River’s contribu-
tion to our Nation’s history with appropriate cere-
monies and activities during America’s 400th Anni-
versary; and 
(4) recommits itself to protecting and restoring 
the James River for the enjoyment and prosperity of 
current and future generations. 
Æ 
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