[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 87 (Thursday, June 11, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6538-S6539]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              150TH ANNIVERSARY OF ELK POINT, SOUTH DAKOTA

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to the 150th 
anniversary of the founding of the community of Elk Point, SD. After 
150 years, this historic community will have a chance to reflect on its 
past accomplishments and its future goals, and I congratulate this 
thriving community for all it has done.

[[Page S6539]]

  Elk Point's colorful history begins with the Lewis & Clark expedition 
of 1804 when the explorers camped in this area in 1804 and again in 
1806. Eli Wixson built a cabin in 1859, becoming the first citizen of 
Elk Point.
  Today, Elk Point's location makes it an ideal location for a variety 
of businesses with two Interstate 29 exits, a railway hub with service 
in three directions, and close proximity to the Missouri River for both 
economic and entertainment purposes. This thriving town is the county 
seat of Union County, the ninth fastest growing county in the Unites 
States in terms of family income.
  Elk Point exemplifies a traditional South Dakota community with its 
close-knit community with a high quality of life. The citizens are 
independent and welcoming, and the educational system is advanced with 
modern technology and advanced placement classes.
  The citizens of Elk Point will be celebrating their rich heritage 
June 26-28, 2009 with an All-Class Reunion, Amy's Race for breast 
cancer research, and various games and entertainment. I congratulate 
the citizens of Elk Point on their accomplishments over the last 150 
years and look forward to seeing their future endeavors.

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