[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 19 (Friday, February 18, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E294]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL G. OXLEY

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 17, 2005

  Mr. OXLEY. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor today to salute Champaign 
County, Ohio, in my congressional district, which is celebrating its 
bicentennial on March 1. Champaign County is an area rich in history 
and tradition that prides itself as a fine place to work, live and 
raise a family.
  Champaign County takes its name from a French word describing its 
flat surface. It became the 18th of Ohio's 88 counties on March 1, 
1805. The area was first inhabited by the North American Indian mound 
builders and became the hunting grounds of the Shawnee tribe. As the 
State of Ohio grew, Champaign County also grew in business and 
agriculture. Of particular note was the great success of the railway 
industry.
  During the Civil War, this small county sent 3,235 men to fight for 
the Union Army. A memorial, the Man on the Monument, stands in the town 
square of Urbana to remember the ultimate sacrifice made by 578 
soldiers from Champaign County.
  Champaign County has continued to thrive with successful businesses, 
industry and agriculture for 200 years. It boasts five school systems 
and one accredited university in the county seat of Urbana. Urbana 
University, founded in 1850, has 24 majors for students and houses the 
largest collection of Johnny Appleseed memorabilia and information 
known to exist. Today, 36,000 people live and work in the county's 
city, towns and villages.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Champaign County on this 
momentous occasion. I know my colleagues will join me in honoring the 
county's success over the past 200 years.

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