[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 93 (Monday, July 17, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1417]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E1417]]


HONORING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CITY OF EUREKA, HUMBOLDT COUNTY, 
                                   CA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 17, 2006

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
the 150th anniversary of the City of Eureka, Humboldt County, CA.
  The search for gold in the nearby Trinity Mountains brought the first 
settlers to Humboldt Bay in 1850. By 1856, the burgeoning settlement--
Eureka, I have found it!--was designated the seat of government for 
Humboldt County by the California Legislature, and on April 18th of the 
same year officially became the city of Eureka.
  The massive stands of redwoods and abundant salmon did not go 
unnoticed by early entrepreneurs, and soon Eureka had many lumber mills 
and fishing boats. This wealth of natural resources set the stage for 
Eureka to dominate the regional timber and fishing industries for the 
next 150 years.
  Eureka, the heart of the ``Redwood Empire,'' has been a destination 
for travelers since it was first discovered. In 1914, the first 
railroad was constructed that tied the community by land to San 
Francisco. Roads, and the automobile, followed and brought even greater 
appreciation of the natural splendor of the city and its surroundings. 
Tourism remains an important part of the area's economy.
  The preservation of the architectural heritage of the community was 
acknowledged by the Eureka Heritage Society's effort in 1987 that 
identified over 1,200 historically significant and diverse buildings in 
the city. This unique heritage, and the celebrated Carson Mansion, draw 
tourists from around the world to enjoy the diversity of architecture, 
antique shops, art galleries, and fine restaurants.
  Eureka's waterfront harkens back to its reputation as a lively place 
for timber workers, sailors, fishermen, and miners. A walk along 
today's waterfront reflects a 30-year renaissance led by the city to 
celebrate longstanding traditions and a dynamic future--the Woodley 
Island Marina, a newly constructed public boardwalk and fisherman's 
dock, the Sacco Amphitheater, Adorni Center, Wharfinger Building, Small 
Boat Basin and the Eureka Main Library.
  The citizens of Eureka have always set a high standard for cultural 
achievement. In 1879, Eureka established the first publicly supported 
library in the State of California; in 2000 they gathered to celebrate 
the conversion of the Carnegie Library to house the Morris Graves 
Museum of the Arts. Eureka is a vibrant cultural center with repertory 
theater, dance and music, and a celebrated Arts Alive that connects 
people and art and business. Today the city of Eureka carries on the 
proud traditions of its early founders, while incorporating the best of 
modern life into its historic character.
  Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we recognize the 
city of Eureka, one of the finest and most vibrant cities in 
California, on the occasion of its 150th anniversary.

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