[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 79 (Wednesday, June 15, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S6651]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               125TH ANNIVERSARY OF LISBON, NORTH DAKOTA

 Mr. CONRAD. Mr President, today I honor a community in North 
Dakota that is celebrating its 125th anniversary. On June 16-19, 2005, 
the residents of Lisbon, ND will celebrate its history and founding.
  Lisbon is a small town in the southeast part of North Dakota, with a 
population of about 2,500. Lisbon's history began in 1880 when Joseph 
L. Colton founded the town-site. Colton selected land here in 1878 and 
built a flourmill. The new town-site was platted on both sides of the 
beautiful Sheyenne River at the foot of its bordering hills. In 
September 1880, he laid out the official town-site and appointed the 
first postmaster, George Murray on January 23, 1880. His wife, Diana 
Robinson was from Lisbon Center, NY, and the city was named for that.
  Lisbon became the county seat in 1881, and the Northern Pacific 
Railroad reached the site in 1882. It was incorporated as a city in 
1883, and G.B. Green was appointed the first mayor of the new budding 
community. Less than a decade later, in 1891, the North Dakota Soldiers 
Home was built in Lisbon. Throughout the following years, Lisbon 
maintained steady growth developing into the delightful community that 
it is today.
  Today, Mayor Morris Saxerud leads this enthusiastic community. The 
citizens of Lisbon enjoy fine recreation including an exceptional nine-
hole golf course, a beautiful park with tennis courts, a ball park, an 
RV park, a gazebo, swings for youngsters and even a swimming pool. The 
Lisbon elementary, middle and high school system maintain a high 
academic program with outstanding teachers, administrators and support 
staff for approximately 750 students. The city has clearly flourished 
throughout the past 125 years!
  I ask the U.S. Senate to join me in congratulating Lisbon, ND, and 
its residents on their first 125 years and in wishing them well through 
the next century. By honoring Lisbon and all the other historic small 
towns of North Dakota, we keep the great tradition of the pioneering 
frontier spirit alive for future generations. It is places such as 
Lisbon that have helped to shape this country into what it is today, 
which is why the community of Lisbon is deserving of our recognition.
  Lisbon has a proud past and a bright future.

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