[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 153 (Thursday, September 28, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1856]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  BICENTENNIAL OF RANDOLPH COUNTY, IL

                                 ______


                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 27, 1995

  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the bicentennial 
anniversary of Randolph County, IL; 200 years ago, on October 5, 1795, 
Gen. Arthur St. Clair, the Governor of the Northwest Territory, 
proclaimed the southwestern one-third of present day Illinois as 
Randolph County, with Kaskaskia as the county seat.
  Randolph County, IL is recognized as the oldest organized government 
west of the Allegheny Mountains. The county has sent forth numerous 
legislators and leaders to serve in the early days of both the State of 
Illinois and the U.S. Government.
  Its rich history also reflects a strong French influence. The two 
oldest French forts in the United States are located within Randolph 
County. Fort Kaskaskia and Fort de Chartres both overlook the 
Mississippi River and the city of Kaskaskia. In addition, the Liberty 
Bell of the West, cast in France in 1741, is located on Kaskaskia 
Island.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in acknowledging Randolph County and 
celebrating its historic heritage on the event of its 200th 
anniversary.

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