[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 140 (Thursday, October 1, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2422-E2423]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE TOWN OF ORANGE AS IT CELEBRATES ITS 275TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ERIC CANTOR

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 1, 2009

  Mr. CANTOR. Madam Speaker, I am proud to recognize the Town of Orange 
as it celebrates its 275th anniversary.
  The Town of Orange is located northeast of Charlottesville, near 
James Madison's estate at Montpelier, viewing the Blue Ridge Mountains.
  The Town of Orange was a strategically important location during the 
American Civil War. Just north of town, the Rapidan River was 
effectively the northern border of the Confederacy for several years. 
Consequently, the area witnessed countless troop movements,

[[Page E2423]]

patrols, skirmishes, and encampments. In addition, the Town of Orange 
served as General Robert E. Lee's headquarters during that time. In 
fact, General Lee worshipped at the St. Thomas Episcopal Church on 
Caroline Street, which still stands today.
  The town continued to thrive into the twentieth century. Fire 
destroyed much of the eastern part of town in 1908, but many of the 
buildings constructed shortly after the fire still remain. In fact, 
Orange was well-known for its silk mill, which produced many of the 
parachutes used by U.S. troops during World War II. The silk mill 
finally closed in the 1970s, but the building still remains and is used 
by local businesses.
  Orange residents will celebrate and honor the town's heritage and 275 
years of history with events and activities throughout the year. In 
conjunction with the Fall Fiber Festival at Montpelier, the 
Gordonsville Street Festival, and other county-wide events, the Town of 
Orange will have a Blues Festival on Main Street on October 3rd to mark 
the anniversary.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating the fine citizens of 
Orange as they celebrate their town's anniversary and wishing them the 
best for their continued growth and success.

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