[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 3 (Wednesday, January 13, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E16-E17]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          TRIBUTE TO BUTLER COUNTY ON THEIR 200TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ED WHITFIELD

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 13, 2010

  Mr. WHITFIELD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Butler County in 
the First Congressional District of Kentucky on their 200th 
Anniversary. This momentous occasion not only celebrates the rich 
history of Butler County, but the many thousands of residents who

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over the years have made it a vibrant and thriving community.
  Butler County was formed on January 18, 1810 and was named for 
General Richard Butler, a Revolutionary War soldier. With the 
introduction of a navigation system for the Green and Barren Rivers in 
the 1830's, a new mode of transportation in the area began and brought 
with it many new people to the area including merchants, miners, 
loggers, river workers, engineers and carpenters.
  The Civil War slowed development of the county. Following the war, 
former soldiers from both sides joined together to raise funds for a 
Civil War Monument that was dedicated in May 1907. The monument is 
believed to be one of the only two existing memorials which honors both 
Confederate and Union soldiers.
  Today, Butler County attracts many tourists who come to visit the 
historic sites of the area, steamboat era museum, Green River and many 
other attractions. The county also hosts the Green River Catfish 
Festival every year. Anglers from around the country travel to Butler 
County to try and catch one of the numerous tagged catfish released 
into the river for cash prizes. The top prize is $50,000.
  To commemorate the county's 200th Anniversary, community leaders and 
residents of Butler County have planned a year's worth of events to 
educate Kentuckians about the history of Butler County and celebrate 
its residents and culture. A book entitled Butler County, Kentucky--
History and Families is also being compiled which features stories 
about communities and families in Butler County as written by 
residents. It is my privilege to represent Butler County in the U.S. 
House of Representatives and I hope my colleagues in Congress will join 
me in celebrating this community and its residents.

                          ____________________