[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 74 (Wednesday, June 14, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1008]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE HISTORY OF O'FALLON, ILLINOIS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 14, 2000

  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, today I'd like my colleagues to join me in 
honoring the history of one of the oldest communities in my 
congressional district.
  The City of O'Fallon, Illinois was named in honor of Colonel John 
O'Fallon. He was a soldier, a businessman, a real estate owner and a 
public minded citizen. His father, James O'Fallon was a physician who 
came to this country shortly before the Revolutionary War and served as 
a surgeon in George Washington's Army. After the war, he went to 
Louisville, Kentucky where he met and married Frances Clark, a sister 
of George Rogers Clark and William Clark, army officers, who became 
famous in the development of the Mississippi Valley.
  John's father died when he was a child and he was reared and educated 
by his mother and uncles. With his army background, he became a 
soldier. He fought in the War of 1812 where he rose to the rank of 
Captain. After the war ended, O'Fallon became assistant Indian Agent to 
his Uncle William Clark of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Later he 
became a contractor, buying and selling Army supplies. He invested his 
money and became involved with the expanding railroad industry across 
the nation. He promoted the Missouri Pacific railroad, as well as the 
Wabash and the B&O railroads. His involvement with railroads and the 
purchase of lands lead him to become the namesake of both O'Fallon, 
Illinois and O'Fallon, Missouri. His purchase of lands in an area north 
of St. Louis also lead to the development of the community of O'Fallon 
Park. He gave generously to St. Louis University and Washington 
University. He also formed an institute which became the forerunner of 
today's St. Louis High Schools and the City's public library.
  O'Fallon, Illinois was formed around the depot and a water tank for 
the B&O railroad. A newly replicated depot stands near the site of the 
beginnings of this community. O'Fallon was incorporated as a village in 
1874 and in 1905 became a town. O'Fallon's early growth was due to the 
large coal mining industry in the region. O'Fallon was also home to 
major businesses like Willard Stove, Tiedeman Milling and the 
Independent Engineering Company. O'Fallon also had abundant 
agricultural land which supported large farming operations.
  Today, O'Fallon is a community of 20,000 people. It continues to grow 
because of it's proximity to Scott Air Force Base and St. Louis. It 
sits astride 1-64 and boasts three interchange exits where large 
commercial and retail developments are clustered. O'Fallon also is home 
to the O'Fallon Township High School, which is recognized as one of the 
top high schools in the region. The high school is also home to the 
Marching Panthers Band, which has won several national awards and is a 
regular participant in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade in New York 
City.
  The City of O'Fallon continues the growth and development envisioned 
by Captain O'Fallon. The rail line he developed, continues to run 
through the community delivering vital commerce and supplies to areas 
to the west.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the community 
and the people of the City of O'Fallon.

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