[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 54 (Thursday, April 26, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E638]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                WISHING SAN LUIS A HAPPY 150TH BIRTHDAY

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                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 26, 2001

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
wish Colorado's oldest town a happy 150th birthday. Nestled in the 
Sangre de Cristo mountains is the small town of San Luis, which was 
founded in 1851. Since then it has been home to many families over the 
last century and a half.
  On April 5, 1851, San Luis de la Culebra was founded by Carlos 
Beaubien and established by settlers from northern New Mexico. 
According to Governor Bill Owens, San Luis' ``rich and beautiful 
heritage'' is attributed to its food, music, language, celebrations and 
historic buildings.
  Under the protection of a group of soldiers from the War Department, 
the settlers built homes and began to plant. The town continued to grow 
and in 1861 when Colorado was made a territory, San Luis became the 
county seat of the newly established Costilla County.
  As part of the celebration, Governor Owens proclaimed April as the 
Oldest Town in Colorado Month, and April 5 as the Oldest Town in 
Colorado Day. The proclamation refers to San Luis' founding on April 5, 
1851, following the pattern of land grants. Carlos Beaubien then gave 
the people of San Luis the grant of La Vega, a common grazing area 
which is the last remaining true commons in the United States.
  Specifically, the proclamation acknowledges the San Luis Museum and 
Cultural Center, the Stations of the Cross Shrine and Los Caminos 
Antiqus Scenic and Historic Byway.
  Mr. Speaker, we are all proud of the rich heritage the city of San 
Luis has established over the last 150 years. And it is with great 
pleasure that I ask this Congress to recognize San Luis and wish them a 
happy birthday.

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