Local historian urges board to back naming Cortland-area bridge for Edith Turner; supervisors approve support resolution

Walt Brown, identifying himself as a tribal chief and local historian, asked the Southampton County Board of Supervisors on Dec. 16 to support state legislation to name the short bridge near Cortland for Edith Turner, a Native woman recorded in an 1808 census.

Brown outlined historical documentation, said he had discussed the request with Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Delegate Otto Waxman, and asked the board to pass a resolution of support so state lawmakers can proceed with legislation. He urged the board to use the woman's Indigenous name in the naming and provided copies of archival material to county staff.

Board members discussed the practicalities: one supervisor asked whether the locality must pay for the naming signs. County staff referenced state code practice that the locality pays for the signs and said the county had not yet received a bill from the state. A supervisor noted the cost would be small relative to the county's overall budget.

A motion to approve the resolution of support for the bridge-naming legislation was made and approved by voice vote.

The item came with an extended historical presentation from a community member and ties to state lawmakers who were reported to have reviewed the draft resolution.

The board did not take any final action on installing signs or specific design details; those costs were discussed as a follow-up matter that staff will track with the state when the bill moves forward.

Walt Brown said he would provide archival documents to county staff and thanked the board for considering the request.