[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 86 (Friday, May 23, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1066]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       IN HONOR OF THE SESQUICENTENNIAL OF BAXTER SPRINGS, KANSAS

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                          HON. NANCY E. BOYDA

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 22, 2008

  Mrs. BOYDA of Kansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the city 
of Baxter Springs, Kansas for their sesquicentennial.
  One hundred fifty years ago, Baxter Springs was founded, and it was 
named in honor of its first settler, John Baxter. During this time 
there was a booming cattle trade in Kansas, with Baxter Springs being 
an important point of commerce for cattlemen from the south bringing 
their livestock to sell in Kansas City. In fact, Baxter Springs was one 
of the first ``Cowtowns'' founded in Kansas.
  Should one have the chance to visit Baxter Springs, you would see the 
same scenic backgrounds of Kansas prairie and the Spring River that the 
first settlers of the city would have viewed. The river has played host 
to many of the town's events over the years, and also supported the 
town's first flour mill.
  Many visitors have come through Baxter Springs while traveling on 
Route 66. The road is an important part of local, and national history 
with Americans traveling on Route 66 to destinations near and far, 
viewing some of the most beautiful sites that America has to offer.
  There is a lot of history in the city of Baxter Springs, and it 
represents an important aspect of the State of Kansas. As the 
sesquicentennial slogan states, ``150 years and only the beginning.''
  I offer my sincerest congratulations to Baxter Springs and I give my 
warmest wishes for the next 150 years.

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