HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES-2018-060 Resolution repealing Jefferson Davis National Highway RES-2018-060
Revised Resolution 2018-10-16
A RESOLUTION REPEALING THE JUNE 15 1959 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING U.S. HIGHWAY 15 IN ORANGE COUNTY AS THE
JEFFERSON DAVIS NATIONAL HIGHWAY
WHEREAS, in the mid-twentieth century a private group began a movement to
designate a coast to coast national highway as the Jefferson Davis Highway, Jefferson
Davis Memorial Highway, or Jefferson Davis National Highway; and
WHEREAS, this group approached local and state governments across the nation for
support in the form of local roadway dedications; and
WHEREAS, on June 1, 1959, pursuant to one such request, the Orange County Board
of Commissioners voted to support a resolution designating that section of U.S.
Highway 15 situated in Orange County as the "Jefferson Davis National Highway;" and
WHEREAS, the federal government never designated or adopted a Jefferson Davis
Highway, Jefferson Davis Memorial Highway, or Jefferson Davis National Highway; and
WHEREAS, there existing no Jefferson Davis National Highway the 1959 resolution has
no legal or practical effect and serves only to recognize Jefferson Davis; and
WHEREAS, Jefferson Davis, though a United States Senator, was also the President of
the Confederacy, a slave owner, and defender of the institution of slavery and later
white supremacy; and
WHEREAS, the institution of slavery and its legacy of white supremacy must not be
glorified by the recognition of the individuals who defended them.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of Orange
County that the Board must act within the scope of its authority to dismantle the legacy
of racism and inequality that continues to stain our community; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board hereby REPEALS the June 1, 1959
resolution designating the section of U.S. 15-501 in Orange County as the Jefferson
Davis National Highway and will petition the North Carolina Department of
Transportation to have the pedestal and plaque removed.
This the 16th day of October 2018.
Mark Dorosin, C it -
Orange County Board of Commissioners