[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 118 (Thursday, September 28, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9466-S9473]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. WARNER:
  S. 3132. A bill to expand the boundary of the George Washington 
Birthplace National Monument, and for other purposes; to the Committee 
on Energy and Natural Resources.se


GEORGE WASHINGTON BIRTHPLACE NATIONAL MONUMENT BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT ACT 
                                OF 2000

  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, the man who would later become America's 
first president, George Washington, was born at Popes Creek Plantation 
on the banks of the Potomac River in 1732. Although most Americans are 
familiar with his later residence at Mt. Vernon, fewer people know that 
George Washington's childhood was spent on this sprawling 550 acre 
plantation in Westmoreland County, Virginia.
  The Washington family first settled at Popes Creek in 1656 when John 
Washington, great-grandfather of George Washington, acquired the 
property. Although he later moved to Mt. Vernon, most historians agree 
George Washington returned on a regular basis to his birthplace. 
Located on the property is the Washington family cemetery that is the 
final resting place for

[[Page S9473]]

George Washington's father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. To this 
day, Washington family descendants continue to live in the area.
  In 1930, Congress recognized the historic importance of this site to 
the nation and created the George Washington Birthplace National 
Monument. The park is truly a national treasure which tells of George 
Washington's formative years. In addition to providing an excellent 
example of colonial life, the park contains acres of woodlands, 
wetlands, and agricultural fields. I am told numerous bald-eagles now 
call the park home.
  In this age of rapid development, it is remarkable that despite the 
passage of two hundred and sixty-eight years, the Popes Creek area is 
remarkably unchanged since the time of George Washington's birth. The 
131,099 annual visitors to the park can still experience a rural, 
pastoral countryside that George Washington would recognize. Much of 
the credit for this bucolic atmosphere is due to the efforts of the 
owners of the private property surrounding the park. They have done 
their best to avoid developing the property adjacent to the park. But, 
as these landowners gradually decide they wish to sell their property, 
I believe the Park Service should acquire the surrounding property to 
preserve this historic setting for future generations. The alternative 
is to risk development that could forever scar this beautiful national 
landmark.
  Today, I am introducing legislation to expand the boundary of the 
George Washington Birthplace National Monument by allowing the U.S. 
Park Service to acquire portions of the surrounding property from 
willing sellers. As a nation, it is our duty to preserve America's 
heritage for future generations. I urge my colleagues to support the 
preservation of George Washington's birthplace.
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