[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 30 (Tuesday, February 25, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S2696]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE CELEBRATES ITS 150TH BIRTHDAY

 Mr. GREGG. Mr. President, I rise today in honor of Concord, 
the Capital City of New Hampshire. As the United States prepares this 
year to observe the 227th anniversary of our independence, the citizens 
of Concord will be celebrating the City's 150th birthday. It is 
therefore timely and appropriate that we recognize this great American 
community.
  Concord runs eight miles from north to south and covers almost 39,000 
acres. However, this geographic description fails to illustrate its 
unique position in New Hampshire and U.S. history. First settled in the 
early 1700's as the Plantation of Penacook, an Indian word describing 
the serpentine but beautiful meanderings of the Merrimack River, the 
town was later renamed Rumford in 1734 and then Concord in 1765. In 
1853, 150 years ago, the people living there incorporated Concord as a 
city. In 1788, the leaders of New Hampshire approved the new federal 
constitution in the Old North Meeting House in Concord and, thus, New 
Hampshire became the ninth and ratifying state of the original 
thirteen. Since 1809, Concord has served as the Capital of New 
Hampshire and, naturally, has been the heart of political life in our 
state. However, the City has a proud record for being the center of 
commerce and transportation as well. One of its best known industries 
was the Abbott-Downing Company which shipped thousands of its famous 
stagecoaches and wagons all over the world. In addition, the granite 
from Concord became the cornerstone for buildings throughout the United 
States. Furthermore, the City was the northern hub for the railroad 
industry in the first half of the 20th century.
  Of course, we cannot talk about this city without praising its most 
distinctive feature: the people of Concord. In this community, the 
citizens value the importance of helping one's neighbor and, thus, have 
long been responsible for strengthening the New Hampshire way of life. 
They have never been restrained in lending their talents and energy to 
any noble cause. The experiences of two Concord residents in the Civil 
War exemplifies this ethical code. On April 15, 1861, President Lincoln 
issued a proclamation calling for 75,000 troops to fight to preserve 
the Union. Within hours of learning of this announcement, Concord 
Police Officer Edward Sturtevant enlisted in the Army. Because he was 
such a natural leader, he was eventually promoted to major and later 
gave his life at the Battle of Fredericksburg. Harriet Patience Dame 
also greatly contributed during this time. At the age of 46, she 
offered her services as an Army Nurse. From the time of her enlistment 
until well after the war ended, she cared for the injured, the sick and 
the dying without taking one day's furlough or one day's sick leave. An 
exhausting schedule to be sure but one that fits the character of 
Concord.
  This spirit continues into modern times and may be best expressed by 
Concord school teacher Christa McAuliffe as she was preparing to become 
the first teacher in space: Her message ``I touch the future, I teach'' 
perfectly captures the dedication which characterizes the people of 
this community. With that, I am proud to honor and salute them as they 
celebrate the 150th birthday of Concord, New Hampshire, the Capital 
City of the Granite State.

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