[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 135 (Wednesday, October 25, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1923]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1923]]
      MARKING THE 300TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF LEBANON, CT

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                           HON. SAM GEJDENSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 25, 2000

  Mr. GEJDENSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with pride to mark the 300th 
anniversary of the founding of Lebanon, Connecticut. Over the past 
three centuries, Lebanon has developed a rich history that is a source 
of pride for every resident and citizens across eastern Connecticut. As 
residents celebrate their past this year, they look forward to the many 
exciting opportunities for their community in the years ahead.
  Lebanon was officially incorporated in October 1700. Covering more 
than 55 square miles, the community hosts some of the State's most 
productive dairy and poultry farms and spectacular open spaces. Lebanon 
is well-known throughout Connecticut for its rich and varied history.
  The history of Lebanon is inexorably tied to the Revolutionary War. 
Arguably, Lebanon was at the center of Connecticut's efforts to support 
our quest for independence and freedom. The State's Revolutionary War 
Governor--Jonathan Trumbull--was a resident of Lebanon. He converted a 
building which had served as a general store into the State's ``War 
Office.'' From this office, which still sits on the Lebanon Town Green, 
Governor Trumbull and the Council of Safety met frequently to direct 
the State's war effort. According to ``Connecticut: A Fully Illustrated 
History of the State From the Seventeenth Century to the Present'' by 
Albert Van Dusen, the Council, which consisted of many of the leading 
men of the day, including Samuel Huntington, William Williams and 
Deputy Governor Griswold, ``put in untold hours of work at about 1,200 
meetings, mostly held at the `War Office.' ''These men met at great 
risk to their personal safety throughout the War.
  Governor Trumbull's extraordinary leadership and the resourcefulness 
and productivity of the people of my state earned Connecticut the 
distinction as the ``Provisions State'' during the War. The State 
provided everything from food and clothing to guns and ammunition for 
the Continental Army. During one of the darkest periods of the War, 
General Washington appealed to Governor Trumbull for supplies for the 
soldiers suffering through the winter at Valley Forge when colonies in 
the central part of the country failed to provide promised rations. 
According to Van Dusen, Governor Trumbull ``immediately ordered 
Commissaries Henry Chamberlain and Peter Colt to take $200,000, earlier 
allocated to cattle purchases, and scour the countryside for live beef. 
The cattle were driven in herds by Champion and his son to Valley 
Forge. The first herd was devoured within 5 days by the ravenous 
soldiers.''
  In addition to the many contributions of Governor Trumbull, the men 
of Lebanon played a crucial role in the War effort. More than 670 men 
from Lebanon served in the Continental Army beginning with the Battle 
of Bunker Hill through to victory at Yorktown. It is estimated that 
this figure represented about half of the total adult population of the 
community. Lebanon also played host to French forces under the command 
of Duke de Lauzun between November 1780 and June 1781.
  Today, we stand more than two centuries removed from the end of the 
Revolution. However, the important role of Lebanon in one of the most 
defining moments in our nation's history remains clear on the landscape 
and in the spirit of the community. The historic buildings remain on 
the Town Green and the rich history is maintained through the work of 
the Lebanon Historical Society and the new Lebanon History Museum and 
Visitors Center. It remains alive in the hearts of hundreds of people 
who gathered last month to reenact a Revolutionary War encampment.
  Over the past 300 years, Lebanon has grown, changed and prospered. 
Although agriculture remains important, the Town's economy has changed 
significantly with tourism becoming increasingly important. Lebanon 
retains much of its rural character and its rich history, incredible 
mile-long Town Green and natural resources make it an integral part of 
the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers National Heritage Corridor.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join with the residents of Lebanon in 
celebrating the community's 300th birthday. We are united in the 
knowledge that the next 100 years will be as productive and proud as 
the past three centuries.

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