A house RESOLUTION

To honor Port Royal on celebrating its one hundred FIFTIETH anniversary and to congratulate the town for its rich history and growth.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were pleased to learn that Port Royal will be celebrating its one hundred fiftieth anniversary on March 9, 2024. The town has experienced a coalescence of rich history and thoughtful growth since it was incorporated in 1874; and

Whereas, before Port Royal's incorporation, several indigenous tribes called the area home. The town has seen seven flags fly over its fields and roads belonging to Spain, France, England, Scotland, the Confederate States, the United States, and South Carolina; and

Whereas, in its early days, the town was booming thanks to its active railroad and busy port. Being the only natural deep-water harbor on the East Coast, the town's port brought significant economic activity to the area, and the railroad had a thriving terminus that contained many tracks, warehouses, and the world's largest cotton compressor. In addition, phosphate and lumber became major sources of trade and, as the town grew, graceful homes, mercantile establishments, and a magnificent hotel appeared. The town also achieved the staple of a thriving community, a local newspaper; and

Whereas, Port Royal's growth has not been without its share of hardships. In 1877, the town faced a yellow fever epidemic, and in 1893, a hurricane resulted in at least two thousand residents losing their lives. The adversities weathered by Port Royal have not been limited to natural disasters, as heavy state taxes on phosphate, the replacement of railway cargo transportation by trucks, and the loss of the United States Naval Station to Charleston brought Port Royal to its economic knees; and

Whereas, ever resilient, Port Royal is home to the state's second oldest operating school, Port Royal Elementary School, as well as Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, where 19,000 recruits are trained each year, and Naval Hospital, Beaufort. With the benefit of a comprehensive master plan, the town is now experiencing a renaissance with new businesses, homes, and a marina being developed, allowing Port Royal to grow and make progress, all the while maintaining the character of the town.  Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, honor Port Royal on celebrating its one hundred fiftieth anniversary and congratulate the town for its rich history and growth.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Mayor Kevin Phillips of Port Royal.

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