[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 157 (Wednesday, November 14, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2078]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO MACKAY, IDAHO

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL K. SIMPSON

                                of idaho

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 14, 2001

  Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to proudly pay tribute to the 
city of Mackay, Idaho. Mackay is celebrating 100 years as the ``top of 
Idaho.''
  With an elevation of 5,897 feet, Mackay is nestled near Mt. Borah, 
Idaho's highest mountain. Gold, silver, lead and copper were discovered 
in the White Knob Mountains above Mackay in the 1880s. Over 100 years, 
the area yielded nearly one million tons of ore resulting in 41,996 
ounces of gold, 1.7 million ounces of silver, 15.1 million pounds of 
lead, 5.49 pounds of zinc, and 62.2 pounds of copper.
  What started Mackay was mining millionaire John Mackay's vision of a 
12-mile electric mountain railway system to transport ore down the 
mountain. Because of the massive project of building the railway 
system, John Mackay planned the town around the railroads final stop. 
Named after himself, the town Mackay was officially incorporated on 
October 14, 1901.
  In its 100 years, Mackay has seen the best of the mining boom. During 
World War I, the mines around Mackay supplied ore for red metal. By 
1917, Mackay was a thriving town of 400 with a post office, movie 
house, many businesses, saloons and pool halls.
  At one point, the town grew to be home to roughly 5,000 residents. 
The mining boom, coupled with range livestock, dairy, and crops created 
a positive economic environment in which the town flourished and its 
residents enjoyed their prosperity.
  Unfortunately, however, the history of the West is checkered with 
cycles of boom and bust, many of which center around the West's most 
precious commodity--water. When Mackay and the surrounding region were 
hit by a severe drought, tempers rose and times grew more desperate--
including a farmer revolt in 1933 that led to the dynamiting of a 
headgate in a last ditch effort to release water held behind a dam.
  In 1983, the Mt. Borah earthquake leveled the Mackay City Hall and 
damaged several businesses. Despite its trials, Mackay continues to be 
a destination spot for many. With its breathtaking views and proximity 
to Idaho's scenic rivers and pristine backcountry, Mackay showcases the 
best Idaho has to offer.
  Mackay is a town that epitomizes the rugged West and my home state of 
Idaho. Mackay's residents are hard working Idahoans, who love their 
town, state and country. I want to add my heart-felt congratulations to 
the citizens of this beautiful place that literally is the top of 
Idaho.

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