[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 114 (Thursday, August 5, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1748-E1749]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      COSTELLO HONORS 300TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE VILLAGE OF CAHOKIA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, August 4, 1999

  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 300th 
Anniversary of the Village of Cahokia.
  As we begin to near the end of this millennium, I ask my colleagues 
to join me in celebrating the history of the small towns within all of 
our districts. Throughout this year, Cahokia, a village in my district, 
continues to celebrate it's tricentennial anniversary, with reflection 
on its vital place in American history.
  The Village of Cahokia derives its name, which means ``Wild Geese'', 
from the Cahokia Indian tribe. Today, it is recognized not only as a 
wonderful, thriving community of Southern Illinois but also as the site 
of the Cahokia Mounds, which is both an Illinois State Historic Site 
and a World Heritage Site. The Cahokians, members of the Illini 
Confederation, along with their relatives, the Tamaroas, were the first 
people known to inhabit this small and beautiful region in the 
Mississippi Valley. While the Cahokian tribe continues to provide a 
vital, unique character to the region, in 1699, the diversity of the 
community was further strengthened with Cahokia's founding by 
missionary priests from the Seminary of Quebec.

[[Page E1749]]

  As the 18th century progressed, this community also became the 
principal commercial center in the mid-west. Specializing in the trade 
of Indian goods and fur, Cahokia's economic development thrived. This 
served as the impetus for prompting the expansion of Agriculture as a 
viable livelihood, which was so necessary to feed the rapidly growing 
community of settlers.
  The Village of Cahokia also took pride in its role in winning a 
battle of the American Revolution. Captain Joseph Bowman and George 
Rogers Clark negotiated peace agreements in Cahokia at Fort Bowman with 
neighboring tribes of the Illini Confederation, and then launched an 
attack on British occupied Vincennes. Both their soldiers and 
ammunition were primarily supplied by the residents of Cahokia.
  Cahokia has long been recognized as a significant force in Illinois 
politics. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the Cahokia Courthouse served 
as an important center of activity in the Northwest. At one point it 
was both the judicial and administrative center for a massive area 
which rose up to the borders of Canada.
  Today, I am honored to represent Cahokia, which has embraced its 
heritage of both Native-American history, as well as the influx of 
French and other ethnicities, spurred by westward expansion. This close 
community of churches, civic groups, and businesses inspires us to 
remember the legacy of our forefathers, while also celebrating the 
future.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
Village of Cahokia this month in commemoration of its 300th 
Anniversary!

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