[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 117 (Tuesday, September 17, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1588]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE TOWN OF LA JARA

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                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 17, 2002

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to honor the town of La 
Jara, Colorado as a beacon of western spirit and pride for over a 
century. I am proud to have the pleasure of applauding a growing 
community that strengthens our society's values. The town is truly an 
inspirational token, established and sustained through determination 
and hard work and I am honored to pay tribute to the town today.
  La Jara was incorporated on March 11, 1902 with Mayor Austin Valdez 
as the founding father and trailblazer for the town. La Jara settlers 
moved into the region to establish a better life and brought with them 
the vision and the tools to build a thriving community. La Jara's 
settlers first migrated West following the railroad and its 
expansionists prospects. The settlers lived in the region with no more 
than a few brick houses and a water tower and, although the lifestyle 
for each settler was hard and troublesome, the determination of those 
early pioneers laid the foundation that has upheld through the ages.
  Initial settlement of the town is due in large to the San Luis Valley 
Company of the 1800s. In 1888, the company orchestrated a large sales 
campaign and sold numerous plots of land in La Jara. These plots 
motivated migrants to establish homes and settle the land in the 
valley, leading to a population boom by the 1890's. Today La Jara 
exists as an established town with all the essential functions and 
amenities of a metropolitan city.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my admiration and gratitude to 
the town and residents of La Jara, Colorado before this body of 
Congress and this nation. Truly the seeds of success have been planted 
in La Jara and are bringing forth the best for future generations.

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