[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 65 (Tuesday, May 11, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E804]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          THE 350TH ANNIVERSARY OF NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS

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                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 11, 2004

  Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, it is my esteemed privilege 
to honor the city of Northampton, MA, and its residents as they 
celebrate the 350th anniversary of its European settlement in 2004. 
This occasion presents a wonderful opportunity for this community rich 
in history to reflect on its achievements, to celebrate its quality of 
life, and to join in ensuring this legacy for future generations.
  Northampton was founded in 1654 on lands previously known as 
``Nonotuck'' or ``Norwottuck.'' This fertile Connecticut River Valley 
has been inhabited for more than 10,000 years by native peoples who 
began their agricultural industry. The fur trade was later established 
in the 1630s, upon the arrival of the Europeans. Once beavers grew 
scarce, the Pocumtuck and Mohican leaders began transferring lands to 
pay off debts to traders. Northampton became an established trade and 
marketing center in the 18th century.
  Present day citizens of Northampton are proud to follow in the 
footsteps of an esteemed heritage. Famous Northampton native Jonathan 
Edwards sparked the religious revival of the Great Awakening in the 
1740s with his enthused ministry. This historic city produced heroes 
such as General Seth Pomeroy of the Revolutionary War who was a 
delegate from Northampton to the First and Second Provincial 
Congresses, a major general in the Massachusetts Militia and fought at 
Bunker Hill. There was much economic unrest following the Revolutionary 
War that led to Daniel Shay leading his rebellion before the 
Constitutional Convention. Caleb Strong, who was a delegate to the 
Convention, became Massachusetts' first senator and an 11-term 
governor.
  The dawn of the 19th century welcomed new economic opportunities. The 
New Haven canal promised to be profitable, however, the beginning of 
the American Railroad system and the shareholders failure to recoup 
their investments prevented this from thriving. Northampton provided an 
enriching environment for many industries, including education, with 
the foundation of the Northampton Association of Education and 
Industry. This association combined a radical abolitionism with a 
communally owned and operated silk mill, including members such as 
Sojourner Truth, William Lloyd Garrison, and Frederick Douglas in its 
inner circle.
  Northampton continues to thrive in education. George Bancroft 
established the Round Hill School in 1823. Author George Washington 
Cable founded the Home Culture Clubs in 1884. The Hill Institute 
created one of the first kindergartens in the United States. The 
prestigious Smith College was founded here in 1871, and the North 
Hampton Law School claims such alumni as Franklin Pierce.
  Probably one of the most famous natives is former President Calvin 
Coolidge, who took office in 1923. Described by Jenny Lind as the 
``paradise of America,'' she was one of many who were drawn to the 
beauty of Northampton. Other famous visitors over the centuries include 
famous poet Ralph Waldo Emerson, Marquis de La Fayette, and Henry James 
who chose Northampton as the setting of his first novel. Artist Thomas 
Cole captured its beauty in art and called the city ``picturesque.'' 
Also poet Sylvia Plath found inspiration in Northampton. Sylvester 
Graham, a diet and health food enthusiast, hails from Northampton as 
well and is the inventor of the Graham cracker. Also Lydia Maria Child, 
an abolitionist, poet and writer, was born in Medford in 1802.
  Northampton prides itself on its long and distinguished past, and its 
claim as one of the oldest cities in the United States. With such 
prominent and influential figures dotting its rich history, it is 
evident as to why Northampton is such a thriving and vivacious city 
today.

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