[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 40 (Monday, March 10, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E336]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           TRIBUTE TO NIAGARA COUNTY ON ITS 200TH ANNIVERSARY

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                        HON. THOMAS M. REYNOLDS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 10, 2008

  Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, it is with great pride and delight that 
I rise today to recognize and celebrate Niagara County on its 200th 
anniversary.
  From the locks of the Erie Canal to the roar of Niagara Falls, and 
from its rich history to its wonderful and generous people, Niagara 
County has much to celebrate on its bicentennial.
  The first settlers of this area were amazed and continually 
challenged by the geographic surprises that awaited them. The most 
well-known surprise is the 12,000-year-old Niagara Falls, which the 
early settlers looked upon as an unexplained phenomenon of nature. 
While the breathtaking, yet hazardous, Niagara Falls rushes 6 million 
cubic feet of water over its edges every minute during its daytime 
peak, the falls did stand still on March 29, 1848. An ice blockade on 
Lake Erie stopped the flow of water into the falls, allowing for an 
opportunity for people to explore the cliffs of Niagara Falls. The 
falls remains the largest attraction in Niagara County, attracting 
millions of tourists every year.
  Niagara County was one of the pioneers in aviation with its ``Grand 
Balloon Ascension'' in July 1858. This display of aeronautical 
ingenuity brought crowds from all over Niagara County, and also many of 
the surrounding counties. While the balloon remained in the air for 
just over 30 seconds, this display was seen as a huge accomplishment to 
the crowds that witnessed the event. The manufacturing and research 
center Bell Aerospace in the town of Wheatfield was instrumental in 
creating jobs in Niagara County. This plant is well-known around the 
world for its helicopters, rocket belts, and lunar modules. The rocket 
powered Bell X-1 supersonic aircraft that broke the sound barrier was 
piloted in 1947, by the renowned Chuck Yeager. This historic craft is 
now displayed in the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
  Not only was Niagara County a leader in aviation, it was instrumental 
in the development and expansion of the telegraph machine and the 
telephone in western New York. Niagara County was the location of the 
second telegraph line in the United States. The line was constructed in 
1845 and stretched all the way from Lockport to Buffalo. The telegraph 
line provided a service experienced by few up to this time in history. 
The first major message sent on this telegraph line was the results of 
the 1845 elections. The first telephone arrived in Niagara County in 
1878, just 2 years after Alexander Graham Bell patented this invention. 
This telephone connected Cataract Bank with the home of the bank 
officer. People came from all over the county to view this life-
altering invention.
  This bicentennial should be a celebration of the residents of Niagara 
County past and present. The traditions of hard work and dedication 
have been instilled in this community. You can tell when you meet the 
people of Niagara County that they are all willing to lend a hand and 
help a neighbor.
  Thus, Madam Speaker, in recognition of its rich history, innovation, 
and its wonderful residents, I ask that this honorable body join me in 
celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Niagara county.

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