[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 131 (Tuesday, November 16, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1998]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INCORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF 
                           MINTURN, COLORADO

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                            HON. MARK UDALL

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 16, 2004

  Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 
100th Anniversary of the town of Minturn, Colorado.
  Minturn is a small town on the Western Slope of Colorado, with a 
population of a little over 1,000. Despite its size, Minturn holds an 
important place within Colorado's history. It began in 1887 as a 
railroad crew-changing station and was named in honor of Robert B. 
Minturn, who helped secure funds to build the Denver & Rio Grande 
westward down the Eagle and Colorado Rivers. The town quickly grew as 
more people began to make Colorado their home. Some established 
homesteads to farm in this area at the confluence of Gore Creek and the 
Eagle River, while others sought riches mining for silver in the 
mountains high above the town site.
  On November 15, 1904, the first Town Council met and Minturn 
officially became an incorporated part of Colorado. This date became 
synonymous with the town's birth and was therefore marked as a day of 
celebration. In the years to come, Minturn became especially indicative 
of the Colorado experience.
  After its vital infrastructures were in place, Minturn attracted 
people from all walks of life. Historic hotels that still exist today 
were erected to accommodate the influx of travelers passing through 
Colorado. And even the military became interested in Minturn, 
constructing a temporary training camp there for the 10th Mountain 
Division in 1942--a division that helped train soldiers to fight in 
high alpine conditions.
  As the years passed, Minturn became a favorite stop amongst snow 
sports enthusiasts, due to its close location to some of Colorado's 
largest ski resorts, Vail and Beaver Creek. Recently, the town's beauty 
was on display in movies such as Walt Disney's ``Tall Tales'', and 
during the Winter Olympics of 2002, when the Olympic torch passed 
through the town en route to Salt Lake City, Utah.
  I also have great pride in stating that one of my district offices is 
located in Minturn. Because of this connection--as well as the town's 
respect for it's western rural roots--I have developed an affinity with 
this town and appreciate the friendliness and communal spirit of its 
residents. This community has welcomed me to their town in a manner 
that greatly reflects the essence of Colorado.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in commemorating 
the historic 100th anniversary of Minturn, Colorado. I believe that by 
honoring Minturn and all the other historic small towns of this vast 
Nation, we keep the great tradition of the American spirit alive for 
future generations. We must not forget about the many places that 
molded this nation into what it is today. Centennial celebrations are 
few and far between, and Minturn's is deserving of our recognition.

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