[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 29, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E752]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING GREENE COUNTY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DAVID DAVIS

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday April 29, 2008

  Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay 
tribute to Greene County and Greeneville, Tennessee. Both celebrated 
their 225th anniversary on April 26.
  Greene County was originally formed by the North Carolina Legislature 
on April 26, 1783 and just two years later, it because part of the 
state of Tennessee during the split of the State of Franklin. Today it 
still shares the pristine mountains, abundant history, and rich culture 
that it did 225 years ago.
  Greene County has become a thriving tourist destination with its 
abundant history and the many restorations throughout the county.
  Located in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, Greene County is one 
of the largest counties in Tennessee and hosts Greeneville; Tennessee's 
second oldest town.
  Our 17th President, Andrew Johnson, who took the presidency after 
Abraham Lincoln, also calls Greene County home and is where he was 
finally laid to rest in 1875.
  Celebrated hero, American folklore legend, and former Member of the 
United States House of Representatives, Davy Crockett was born in 
Greene County.
  Tusculum College, which calls Greene County home, was founded in 1794 
and is Tennessee's oldest college. Tusculum also is the oldest 
educational institution to be affiliated with the Presbyterian Church.
  Greene County's Civil War ties are abundant and the county played a 
pivotal role in the Civil War. The county was mostly made up of 
Unionist sympathizers and the Greeneville Convention of 1861 was 
Tennessee's largest and most important pro-Union meeting in the weeks 
prior to the Civil War. Furthermore, after the Confederate loss at the 
battle of Knoxville in 1863, General James Longstreet intended to stay 
the winter in Greeneville.
  Greene County's historic production of burley tobacco led to 
prosperity in the late nineteenth century. After years of being one of 
the region's most important tobacco markets, the University of 
Tennessee Extension Service has invested in an experimental farm just 
outside of Greeneville which provides students with unique learning 
opportunities.
  I would like to honor all who have had a hand in shaping the historic 
past of Greene County and those who will continue to shape Greene 
County for many years to come. Madame Speaker, as you can see, history, 
heritage, and culture are major characteristics of the First District, 
Greene County, and Greeneville. I ask my colleagues to honor and share 
Greene County and Greeneville's 225th anniversary celebration here 
today.

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