WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Jay Rockefeller this week honored the 100th anniversary of the Town of Sophia by submitting the following statement into the Congressional Record:

Rockefeller Statement for the Congressional Record

On the 100^th Anniversary of the Town of Sophia, West Virginia

July 9, 2012

Mr. President, I stand before you today to bring attention to a small town in my home state.  Sophia, West Virginia, began its 100-year anniversary celebration on June 2, 2012, and will hold a litany of festive events throughout most of the summer.

Many of you present today will recall that Sophia is the town our dear friend and colleague, Senator Robert C. Byrd, so often referred to when he spoke of his home among the hills.  This beautiful community served as his and Erma’s haven for much of their lives. 

The Town of Sophia is reportedly named for Sophia Gravley McGinnis, who was born two hundred years ago, in 1812.  Mrs. McGinnis and her husband, Pyrrhus McGinnis, owned nearly 2,000 acres of land in and around the area according to the family’s historical documents.  Sophia became the first official citizen and its endeared namesake when the town incorporated in 1912.  She went on to live to the ripe age of 104 years old, and died in March of 1916.  She is buried near Flat Top, West Virginia.  

Many times over, Senator Byrd reflected on his and Erma’s time in Sophia, fondly remembering the friendships and once-bustling economy.  Historically, the Town of Sophia was known as the epicenter of the “Winding Gulf” region where countless tons of coal have been mined and transported all over the world via the extensive rail network intersecting the region. 

Senator Byrd is certainly Sophia’s favorite son.  The memories he shared so freely with all of us act as a reminder of the importance of coal and its far-reaching impact on the State of West Virginia and our nation.  They also bring to mind the tremendous character of the people who helped create those memories and how they helped guide him in his duties as the longest-serving member of the United States Congress.

Unfortunately, as with many towns across our great land, Sophia fell on hard times for a number of years.  With the march of technology and the mechanization of the coal industry, fewer men were needed to mine coal and service the railroads, causing Sophia’s population to quickly dwindle.  Grocers and markets and small shops began to close their doors.  Schools helping to educate the children of Sophia were consolidated.  The town soon became a shell of its former glory.   

However, like other parts of West Virginia that have experienced decline, the citizens of the Town of Sophia never gave up.  Their story continues today and proves to be a testament of the talented and dedicated residents living there.  Many of the efforts to revitalize this rural village have resulted in enormous success.  Economic development initiatives have culminated in a bright future for Sophia that includes an economy of growth and a renewal of the spirit that lies deep within the hearts of the people Senator Byrd held in such high regard. 

Evidence of the revitalization in the Town of Sophia includes the opening of the Affinity Coal mining operation and the regular passage of railcars once again full of coal.  Burning Rock Outdoor Adventure Park is bringing visitors from all across the nation and the rich heritage of the coal industry is creating new tourism proposals and interest in the studies of mine safety and engineering.  The young men and women of Sophia are no longer forced to leave their homes to find gainful employment because opportunities are once again available to them and their families. 

Mr. President, all of these measures bring me to the floor to recognize what should be considered a shining example of dedication and commitment in times of hardship and adversity.  On behalf of the people of the Town of Sophia, it brings me great pride to present this statement in recognition of a community spirit that has fostered ongoing transformation, while always holding true to a history rich with fortitude.  Thank you.

I yield the floor.    

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