[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 80 (Tuesday, June 3, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1113]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      LITCHFIELD SESQUICENTENNIAL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 3, 2003

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the city of 
Litchfield and honor its sesquicentennial this year.
  Said to be the highest point between St. Louis, Missouri and Terre 
Haute, Indiana, Litchfield was founded on August 24, 1853, and was 
named after Electus Bachus Litchfield, the man that brought the 
railroad to the area. The Terre Haute, Alton, and St. Louis railroad 
was essential to the development of early Litchfield, and the town 
rapidly grew in size.
  The village was incorporated in 1856, and when the Civil War came 
five years later, Litchfield was the first city in the state of 
Illinois to send men to fight for the Union. One company from 
Litchfield was used to help form the first regiment in the state of 
Illinois, the Seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry.
  After the Civil War, the discovery of oil, gas, and coal in the area 
prompted more population growth, and six railroads made their way 
through the city. The city grew even larger with the introduction of 
Route 66, the main highway between Chicago and Los Angeles, as tourists 
and travelers alike became familiar with Litchfield. The highway still 
runs through Litchfield today, and still brings in tourists from all 
over the world.
  Today, Litchfield is known as the hub of Central Illinois. One hour 
from both St. Louis, Missouri and Springfield, Illinois, it has become 
the manufacturing and shopping center of the area. Nineteen 
manufacturers, sales and distribution centers are housed in the city's 
two industrial parks. Also, with a newly constructed high school, 
Litchfield seems ready to continue its growth well into its next 150 
years. Lincoln Land Community College now has a center in the town as 
well, and the future of the area looks bright.
  Litchfield's first 150 years have been full of growth. In celebrating 
its sesquicentennial this year, the city shows great dedication both to 
its history and to the people of its present. Several events are 
planned for the week of the Fourth of July, and I wish the city and its 
people the best in celebrating this significant milestone.

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