SJR 9

SJR9 188000-2 By Senators Albritton, Orr and Stutts RFD: Rules First Read: 09-JAN-18 SJR9 SJR9 ENROLLED, SJR9, JOINT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING ST. STEPHENS AS THE TERRITORIAL CAPITAL OF ALABAMA. WHEREAS, located in Washington County along the Tombigbee River, on land formerly occupied by Native Americans and by French, British, and Spanish colonists, the town of St. Stephens was developed on the site of a 1789 Spanish outpost, Fort San Esteban; and WHEREAS, on March 3, 1817, the Congress of the United States established the Alabama Territory from the eastern portion of the Mississippi Territory; and WHEREAS, on December 10, 1817, Congress designated St. Stephens as Alabama's territorial capital; and WHEREAS, members of the territorial Legislature convened at St. Stephens on January 19, 1818, where they selected Alabama's first representatives in Congress, drew judicial districts, created new counties, and provided for a census in anticipation of statehood; and WHEREAS, in November 1818, the territorial Legislature in St. Stephens made a formal petition for statehood to Congress; and SJR9 WHEREAS, during the same session, the territorial Legislature voted to relocate the capital temporarily to Huntsville until such time as new facilities were completed in Cahawba; and WHEREAS, now operated by the St. Stephens Historical Commission, the territorial capital is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the state, replete with remnants of Alabama's early political and cultural history; and WHEREAS, Alabama is currently engaged in a commemoration of the Bicentennial of Statehood, a three-year celebration of the people, places, and events that form our rich history; now therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, BOTH HOUSES THEREOF CONCURRING, That we do hereby recognize St. Stephens as the Territorial Capital of Alabama. SJR9 President and Presiding Officer of the Senate Speaker of the House of Representatives SJR9 Senate 11-JAN-18 I hereby certify that the within Senate Joint Resolution originated in and was adopted by the Senate. Patrick Harris, Secretary. House of Representatives Adopted: 16-JAN-18 By: Senator Albritton