[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 55 (Friday, March 24, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E695]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


              SOMERSET COUNTY CELEBRATES ITS BICENTENNIAL

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                          HON. JOHN P. MURTHA

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 24, 1995
  Mr. MURTHA. Mr. Speaker, the history of the United States has been 
built on the western expansion of its population. The young days of the 
Republic saw ambitious men and women looking westward for opportunities 
which did not exist on the eastern seaboard. But the first obstacle 
they saw as they looked west was the Appalachian Mountain Range.
  As settlers began the trek westward in the late 1700's, the 
difficulties they encountered were enormous. Many died; many turned 
back. But just as many persisted, and communities began to be 
established in the fertile lands west of the first range of the 
Appalachians. One area which attracted settlers was on a high plateau 
between two ranges of the Appalachians, and in 1795, Somerset County, 
PA was established.
  In 1995, Somerset County is celebrating its bicentennial. The hard-
working citizens of this area have seen many changes and challenges 
over the past 200 years, but the early pioneering spirit of the people 
who founded Somerset County can still be found there today. This spirit 
has led to vibrant communities throughout the county, proud of their 
heritage, but also looking forward to a bright future.
  Travelers on the Pennsylvania Turnpike know Somerset as an exit high 
in the Pennsylvania mountains. Driving by, they see a magnificent 
county courthouse in the Borough of Somerset, and a spot to break up 
the trip to points east and west. But getting off the highway and 
traveling through the county would introduce them to many historic 
communities located in the beautiful Pennsylvania highlands which offer 
a great deal in terms of recreation and friendliness. As Somerset 
County, PA celebrates the 200th anniversary of its founding, I would 
like to offer my congratulations to its citizens as they move forward 
into a third century of work and growth, and invite my colleagues to 
come experience the celebrations planned to take place all summer long.


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