[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 129 (Tuesday, September 4, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1786]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE VILLAGE OF DUPO, ILLINOIS

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                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 4, 2007

  Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to 
join me in recognizing the 100th anniversary of the incorporation of 
the Village of Dupo, Illinois.
  In the late 17th century, the French settled the area known as the 
American Bottom, along the eastern banks of the Mississippi River, 
between the Illinois and Kaskaskia Rivers. One of the early French 
settlements was Prairie du Pont which was established around 1750, 
about a mile south of the village of Cahokia. ``Pont'' is French for 
``bridge'' and the name was derived from the prairie that was near an 
old log bridge that crossed a creek at this location. Although a 
Prairie du Pont school district was officially formed, the community 
was never incorporated as a village.
  One of the geographic advantages of the Prairie du Pont area is that 
it is about 10 to 12 feet higher than much of the surrounding area. 
Being in the Mississippi River flood plain, this was probably 
responsible for early residents of Cahokia settling in the area to 
escape the frequent floods. This was also an important consideration in 
the decision of the Missouri Pacific Railroad locating their switching 
yards there. With the yards came the homes and shops for the railroad 
workers and soon a new town was born. In 1907, the name Prairie du Pont 
was shortened and the Village of Dupo was incorporated.
  Oil was discovered near Dupo in 1928 and, for a brief period, there 
was considerable drilling and expectation of a new source of revenue. 
Within a couple of years, however, it became apparent that the oil 
field could not sustain further drilling and Dupo remained principally 
a railroad town. Today, most north-south traffic through this area goes 
through the Dupo yards.
  Just as the railroads were influential in Dupo's formation, another 
transportation link holds promise for the future. I-255, part of the 
beltway that encircles the St. Louis metropolitan area, runs right by 
Dupo and offers exciting opportunities for development. As Dupo 
celebrates its centennial, it can enjoy its rich history while looking 
forward to a bright future.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 
100th anniversary of the Village of Dupo, Illinois and to wish them the 
best as they move forward in the years to come.

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