Half of the land in Pocahontas County.

 

The quote you provided is from a letter written by a farmer in Pocahontas County, West Virginia, to his Congressman in 1933. The farmer is concerned that the federal government may buy up half of the land in the county, which would have a significant impact on the remaining farmers.

The farmer's concerns are valid. If half of the land in the county is withdrawn from taxation, the remaining farmers would have to shoulder a much larger tax burden. This could lead to higher taxes for everyone in the county, and it could also make it difficult for farmers to stay in business.

The farmer also mentions that there is a county in North Carolina that has experienced similar problems. In Swain County, the federal government and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians have taken over about 60% of the land. This has led to a significant drop in tax revenue, and the county has had to cut back on services.

The farmer's letter is a reminder of the importance of land ownership to rural communities. Land provides farmers with a livelihood, and it also provides a sense of community and stability. When land is withdrawn from taxation, it can have a ripple effect throughout the community.

It is unclear whether the federal government will actually buy up half of the land in Pocahontas County. However, the farmer's letter is a valuable warning about the potential consequences of such a move.

Here are some additional thoughts on the matter:

• The federal government has a long history of buying up land in rural areas. This has been done for a variety of reasons, including national security, conservation, and economic development.
• The impact of government land purchases on local communities can vary depending on the specific circumstances. In some cases, government land purchases can lead to economic growth and job creation. In other cases, they can lead to tax increases, loss of services, and social unrest.
• It is important to carefully consider the potential consequences of government land purchases before making a decision. This is especially important in rural areas, where land ownership is often essential to the local economy and way of life.