[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 119 (Tuesday, July 24, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1611-E1612]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            STAR-SPANGLED BANNER NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAIL ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 23, 2007

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support 
of H.R. 1388, the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail Act. 
This bill aims to amend the National Trails System Act to designate the 
Star-Spangled Banner Trail in the States of Maryland and Virginia, as 
well as through the District of Columbia.
  I would first like to begin by commending my distinguished colleague 
and the representative of Maryland's 3rd Congressional District, 
Congressman John P. Sarbanes on his work with this very important piece 
of legislation. As with most national historic trails, its purpose and 
significance must be examined for its unique characteristics. I applaud 
the gentleman for his work in aiming to protect and preserve our 
Nation's trails.
  A national historic trail is an extended trail that follows routes of 
travel that are typically of historic and national significance. The 
Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail consists of water and 
overland routes totaling appropriately 290 miles extending from 
southern Maryland through the District of Columbia and Virginia, and 
north of Baltimore, Maryland, commemorating the Chesapeake Campaign of 
the War of 1812, as generally depicted on the maps.
  A national historic trail ought to be significant with respect to 
several facets of American history, ranging from trade and commerce, 
exploration, migration and settlement, or military campaigns and must 
have significant potential for public recreational or historic use. The 
trail ought to be continuous and might include land, water or marked 
highway segments. The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail land 
routes would follow existing public roads, along which British and 
American troops traveled.
  Mr. Speaker, this bill would mandate the administration of this trail 
by the Secretary of the Interior. The Secretary ought to encourage 
public participation by communities, owners of land along the trail, 
and volunteer trail groups

[[Page E1612]]

with the administering, planning, development and maintenance of the 
trail. Any land or interest in land outside the exterior boundaries of 
any federally administered area would be prohibited, unless with prior 
consent from the owner of the land or interest in land. It would be the 
responsibility of the Secretary to authorize and provide interpretive 
programs and services, and technical assistance to State and local 
government and non-profit organizations.
  Mr. Speaker, the primary focus of this initiative has been providing 
conservation and enjoyment of, public access to, and interpretation of 
the historic route and its resources. Historians and regional trail 
groups have recognized the importance of the untold stories and legacy 
of the events of the Chesapeake Campaign and the need for protection 
and interpretation of related historical resources.
  H.R. 1388 commemorates the events leading up to the writing of ``The 
Star-Spangled Banner'' during the Chesapeake Campaign of the War of 
1812. Along these trails are the bedrock of many events of historical 
significance--British invasion of Maryland, the Battle of Bladensburg, 
the burning of the White House, the Capitol and Washington Navy Yard, 
as well as the Battle for Baltimore (1814). The route of the invasion 
is known and documented, and the proposed trail would follow it as 
closely as possible.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support, as well as to encourage 
my colleagues to join Representative Sarbanes in amending the National 
Trails Systems Act to designate the Star-Spangled Banner Trail in the 
States of Maryland and Virginia and the District of Columbia as a 
National Historic Trail. Visitors to this region ought to enjoy the 
opportunity to envision and experience this great piece of American 
history- the heritage and struggles that ensued during the War of 1812. 
The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail Act would give 
recognition to the patriots whose determination to stand firm against 
enemy invasion and bombardment preserved this liberty for future 
generations of Americans.

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