[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 75 (Tuesday, May 8, 2007)]
[House]
[Pages H4609-H4611]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
COMMEMORATING THE 400TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE JAMESTOWN SETTLEMENT
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and
agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 117) commemorating the
400th Anniversary of the settlement of Jamestown.
The Clerk read the title of the concurrent resolution.
The text of the concurrent resolution is as follows:
H. Con. Res. 117
Whereas the founding of the colony at Jamestown, Virginia,
in 1607, the first permanent English colony in America, and
the capital of Virginia for 92 years, has major significance
in the history of the United States;
Whereas the Jamestown Settlement owed its survival in large
measure to the compassion and aid of the Native people in its
vicinity;
Whereas Native Virginia people substantially aided the
Jamestown colonists with food and supplies at times that were
crucial to their survival;
Whereas the Native people served as guides to geography and
natural resources, crucial assistance in the Virginia
colonists' exploration of the Chesapeake Region;
Whereas the Jamestown Settlement brought people from
throughout the Atlantic Basin together to form a society that
drew upon the strengths and characteristics of English,
European, African, and Native American cultures;
Whereas the economic, political, religious, and social
institutions that developed during the first 9 decades of the
existence of Jamestown continue to have profound effects on
the United States, particularly in English common law and
language, cross cultural relationships, manufacturing, and
economic structure and status;
Whereas the National Park Service, the Association for the
Preservation of Virginia Antiquities, and the Jamestown-
Yorktown Foundation of the Commonwealth of Virginia
collectively own and operate significant resources related to
the early history of Jamestown;
Whereas, in 2000, Congress established the Jamestown 400th
Commemoration Commission to ensure a suitable national
observance of the Jamestown 2007 anniversary, and Congress
commends the Commission's hard work and dedication;
Whereas Congress reminds all Americans of the importance of
their country's history and founding at Jamestown; and
Whereas the 2007 observance of the founding of Jamestown
commemorates the 400th anniversary of the first permanent
English colony in America: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate
concurring), That Congress commemorates the 400th
Anniversary of the founding of the colony Jamestown in 1607
and urges
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all Americans to honor this seminal event in our Nation's
history.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Illinois (Mr. Davis) and the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois.
General Leave
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all
Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their
remarks.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Illinois?
There was no objection.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleague in the
consideration of H. Con. Res. 117, a bill that commemorates the 400th
anniversary of the founding of the Jamestown settlement.
H. Con. Res. 117, which has 77 cosponsors, was introduced by
Representative Jo Ann Davis of Virginia on April 18, 2007. H. Con. Res.
117 was reported from the Oversight Committee on May 1, 2007, by a
voice vote.
On May 14, 1607, Indians of the Powhatan tribe of Virginia saw three
English sailing ships approaching their land. The 214 people on board
of the Susan Constant, the Discovery, and the Godspeed had departed
from London 5 months earlier. They would establish on the banks of the
James River what would become America's first English settlement in the
new world.
While disease, famine, and continuing attacks from neighboring
Indians took a tremendous toll on the settlers, only 60 of the original
settlers survived just 2 years after arriving in America, England sent
another three ships that arrived with supplies and new settlers to help
stabilize the colony.
Jamestown survived because the colonists worked together to cultivate
the swamp-like land of the Virginia island and made it suitable for the
growing of tobacco. By 1620 Jamestown had shipped almost 50,000 pounds
of tobacco to England. Fifty years later Virginia and Maryland would
ship 15 million pounds. Jamestown depended upon its agricultural
products and trade to flourish as a new colony in America.
Last Friday, on May 4, Queen Elizabeth II visited a tourist village
at Jamestown to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the founding of
America's first English settlement. The Queen's last visit to Jamestown
was 50 years ago. Jamestown represented a government that reflected
many of our Nation's democratic ideals and institutions, including the
rule of law and free enterprise.
Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleague for seeking to commemorate the
400th anniversary of Jamestown and urge swift passage of this
resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to my
distinguished colleague from the State of Virginia (Mrs. Jo Ann Davis).
Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support
of H. Con. Res. 117, a resolution that I have introduced to commemorate
the 400th anniversary of the settlement at Jamestown. I want to thank
my colleague Tom Davis for his work on this resolution and also the
entire Virginia delegation for their support.
I feel very honored to represent the First District of Virginia, what
I like to call America's First District.
As we all know, in 1607 the first permanent English colony in North
America was founded in Jamestown, Virginia. As we look back on this
historic time 400 years later, it is obvious that the journey that
began with the settlement of Jamestown has truly changed the world.
Representative government in America began at Jamestown and many of our
Nation's democratic ideals and institutions, including the rule of law,
free enterprise, and cultural diversity, trace their roots to that
beginning. It was not a perfect beginning, but nonetheless it was the
start of an experiment that changed the course of history.
I would be remiss if I did not mention the Native Americans'
contributions to the early beginnings of this Nation. The Jamestown
settlement owed its survival in large measure to the compassion and aid
of the Virginia Indians. They provided the colonists with food and
supplies at times that were crucial to their survival, and they served
as guides to geography and natural resources, including the colonists'
exploration of the Chesapeake Bay region. It is a fact that the
settlement would not have survived without the Virginia Indians, and we
owe them an enormous debt of gratitude.
As Americans, we are so blessed with the freedoms that we enjoy and
with the truth for which our country stands. Many of these ideals can
be traced back to Jamestown, Virginia. And I urge my colleagues to vote
for H. Con. Res. 117 to commemorate the events that took place 400
years ago.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may
consume to the gentleman from Virginia, Representative Bobby Scott.
Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for
yielding.
I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 117, a resolution commemorating the
400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown, Virginia, introduced by
my distinguished colleague from Virginia's, and America's, First
Congressional District (Mrs. Jo Ann Davis).
This is truly an exciting time for the Commonwealth of Virginia and
our Nation as we commemorate the 400th anniversary of the founding of
Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in North America and
the cornerstone of our Republic. I have been honored to be one of the
representatives of the most historic region in America, and all of the
members of the Virginia delegation have worked hard to ensure that
Federal funds and services have been readily available to prepare for
this historic occasion beginning back in 2000 with the establishment of
the Federal Jamestown 400th Commemoration Commission. And I would like
to specifically acknowledge the hard work of Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis
and her staff for their tireless efforts on behalf of Jamestown's 400th
anniversary.
Mr. Speaker, the spotlight of the world is now shining on the
Commonwealth of Virginia. The Queen of England visited our State
capital in Richmond and the Jamestown settlement just last week to
commemorate this historic event.
{time} 1630
Hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions, of people from all over our
Nation and from all over the world will descend on Virginia this year
to celebrate our 400th anniversary.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to visit Jamestown this
year and encourage them to support this concurrent resolution.
Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, 400 years ago, a group of entrepreneurs from the
Virginia Company landed on Jamestown Island with the intent of
establishing a colony to find gold and a water route to the Orient.
This landing spot became the first permanent English colony in America
and would eventually become the capital of Virginia for 92 years. Built
on a marshy and unhealthy site, the town suffered badly at the hands of
fire and disease.
The development of this great Nation clearly did not come about
easily. By the end of 1607, after a particularly harsh winter, only 60
of the original 214 settlers remained alive. The colony probably would
have failed completely if it had not been for the courage and
determination of Captain John Smith, who contrived to get food from the
Indians, proving to be crucial for their survival.
The suffering of these early settlers continued for many years.
However, by 1614, John Rolfe introduced new techniques of curing the
tobacco leaf which provided the first opportunity for the settlers to
finally grow a crop that would sustain them for many years to come.
Tobacco became the money crop for Jamestown and, ultimately, Virginia.
In a short time, every farmer in Virginia was raising and exporting
tobacco.
Soon thereafter, a representative assembly called the House of
Burgesses was established in the colony and met once a year. Meeting in
the Jamestown
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Church, it was the first legislature of elected representatives in
America.
Every farmer in Virginia was granted 40 acres of land, and with the
income from farming tobacco, families began to sustain themselves. This
community of small farmers, the great majority, 90 percent of them, not
only owned but cultivated or owned land. Today, it is hard to fathom
how Jamestown of Virginia survived with the suffering, malnutrition,
disease and an appalling death rate. But, here we are 400 years later
celebrating the quadricentennial of these brave peoples who included
not only the British colonists, but the Native Americans they met upon
arrival and the Africans who became indentured servants soon after.
Furthermore, this year we have the honor to celebrate the 400th
anniversary with people from around the world, including Queen
Elizabeth II of England.
I wholeheartedly encourage all Americans to visit this historic site.
It offers an opportunity to learn how the first settlers survived and
ultimately thrived as a result of their tenacity and steadfast desire
to make this a place of which we can all be proud.
Seeing how many of the democratic ideals which originated in
Jamestown are still being preserved 400 years later, it is only natural
for us to commemorate and honor the founding of Jamestown and how it
led to the establishment of our great country.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, let me just say that I would hope
to be one of those millions who visit Jamestown this year to celebrate
its 400th anniversary. I commend Representative Jo Ann Davis for
introducing this legislation, and I urge its passage.
Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con.
Res. 117.
Mr. Speaker, 400 hundred years ago a group of entrepreneurs from the
Virginia Company landed on Jamestown Island with the intent of
establishing a colony to find gold and a water route to the Orient.
This landing spot became the first permanent English colony in America
and later became the capital of Virginia for 92 years.
Mr. Speaker, I ask today that we take a moment to focus on the
courage of those who lived there.
In a strange land, yet not the land they sought, in an unhealthy
place plagued by disease, fire and the elements, they banded together
to make a life.
And that life was not an easy one. By the end of 1607, after a
particularly harsh winter, only 60 of the original 214 settlers
remained alive. If Captain John Smith hadn't contrived to get food for
the Indians, the American dream might well have died on those swampy
shores.
Suffering and hard work were not strangers to the colonists. By 1614,
the settlers had a cash crop--tobacco--and they worked hard to see that
it sustained the colony.
To ensure order, they formed the House of Burgesses, the first
representative assembly in America. Soon, every farmer in Virginia was
granted 40 acres of land on which to farm tobacco.
Still, they had little beyond that which they could get for
themselves or the local Indians. It is hard today to fathom the courage
of those who struggled against all to make the colony and their
families a success.
Today, 400 years later, we honor not just those brave people but the
native Americans they encountered and the Africans who became
indentured servants soon thereafter.
I encourage all Americans to take a cue from the Queen of England and
make the pilgrimage to Jamestown during this historic year.
I encourage them to observe first-hand the hardships endured, the
friendships forged, the commitment to something more than survival--the
courage to leave behind far more comfortable lives in England and take
the chance of a lifetime.
These were the first Americans in many senses. They were the first to
form a government, the first to be willing to push past tradition and
comfort for adventure, for fairness, for democracy. That's why I am I
proud to urge passage of H. Con. Res. 117.
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.
Con. Res. 117, which commemorates the 400th anniversary of the
settlement of Jamestown.
On May 14, 1607, just over 100 English settlers landed on the banks
of the James River, in what is today the state of Virginia. The first
permanent English settlement in North America, Jamestown weathered
extreme hardship, starvation, and warfare to become the foundation upon
which our Nation was built. We can recognize many of our democratic
ideals in institutions developed by the Jamestown settlement. It was in
this colony, in 1619, that the House of Burgesses, the first locally
elected legislative body in the New World, was convened in a Jamestown
church.
As a nation, we have come a long way since our early colonial days.
We fought a war with each other to abolish slavery, which was
introduced in Jamestown in the same year as the House of Burgesses. We
gradually extended full citizenship and equal rights to African
Americans. While the settlers that landed in 1607 were all male, we
have in the past 400 years, incorporated women into all aspects of our
Nation's political, economic, and social life. And while the early
colonial settlements fought wars with their Native American neighbors,
we have, in recent decades, made serious efforts toward making amends
for injustices done to native tribes.
This resolution serves to remind and educate Americans about the
importance of our history. It highlights that the economic, political,
religious, and social institutions developed during our colonial past
continue to form the backbone of our society today. Significantly, this
resolution also draws attention to the crucial role the native people
played in the success of the Jamestown colony, and in the formation of
our Nation.
Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate the 400th anniversary of Jamestown, this
legislation urges us to understand and engage with our history as
Americans. I strongly support this resolution, and I urge my colleagues
to do the same.
Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my strong support
for this resolution.
Four hundred years ago in 1607, 104 English settlers took a dangerous
voyage. The voyage alone was perilous, but their future in their new
land was no less daunting. These courageous voyagers landed on the
shores of what is now the great Commonwealth of Virginia. They set sail
on what many have considered America's founding river, the James River,
and established the first permanent English settlement at Jamestown.
These brave settlers faced many hardships--sickness, war, hunger, and
death. However, their faith and perseverance allowed this colony to
flourish despite these seemingly insurmountable odds. These settlers
established the foundation of this great Nation, and I am happy that
we, in this House, are gathered here today to commemorate their
sacrifice.
These early settlers were the first to celebrate what we have now
come to know as the American dream. Kathryn Lange said it best in her
book, ``1607: A New Look At Jamestown,'' ``Jamestown was a place where
the poor might become rich through hard work, where people could govern
themselves and where cultures mixed to create a new, American way of
life.''
This profound, new way of life, was unlike anything else in the world
at the time. The Jamestown Colony planted the seeds of the ideals of
life and liberty, which sprouted into this great Nation. As a nation we
have held fast to the ideals that flourished in this early colony, and
we still celebrate those ideals today.
Today we gather to commemorate that early settlement at Jamestown,
but we do not commemorate just one colony, we commemorate the birth of
a nation that sprung from that small colony.
I urge my colleagues to join me in commemorating the 400th
anniversary of the Jamestown settlement, and the birth of our Nation.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my
time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) that the House suspend the rules
and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 117.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the concurrent resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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