[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 82 (Tuesday, June 15, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S6790]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              125TH ANNIVERSARY OF COLUMBIA, SOUTH DAKOTA

  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, this week marks the 125th anniversary of 
the settlement of one of my state's oldest towns. Columbia, SD, located 
in Brown County in the northeastern part of my State, has a long and 
rich history that represents the spirit of hard work and community that 
defines what it means to be from South Dakota.
  In mid-June, 1879, a group of wagons loaded with supplies arrived at 
the spot that would one day become Columbia, South Dakota. Under the 
leadership of Byron M. Smith of Minneapolis, the settlers took 
advantage of the Elm River's abundant water supply, and began work on 
the new town. Once the first post office was built and officially 
recognized, the town of Columbia was born.
  Today, residents of Columbia proudly reflect on a 125-year history, 
and the seemingly endless string of goals they have accomplished--and 
hardships they have had to endure--along the way. From the 
establishment of the post office in 1879 to the dam that was built 3 
years later--creating Lake Columbia--to the construction of the town's 
first school, courthouse, and roller-skating rink, Columbia's first 
decade saw its inhabitants lay the groundwork for the future of the 
community. More than a century has passed since then, during which 
Columbia has survived fire, drought, dust storms, blizzards, and even a 
tornado on the town's 99th birthday. After 125 years of both good times 
and bad, the people of Columbia have emerged as strong and united as 
ever.
  Truly, it is the people who have enabled Columbia to reach this 
remarkable milestone. The legacy of those original settlers has been 
carried proudly to this day, and its reach is not limited to the corner 
of South Dakota where the town resides. In fact, Ralph Herseth, a 
graduate of Columbia High School and a former Governor of South Dakota, 
is the grandfather of our State's newest representative, Stephanie 
Herseth. I am proud to join Representative Herseth and Senator Johnson 
in congratulating Columbia on its 125th birthday.

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