[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 123 (Tuesday, September 14, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S7083]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                IRON COUNTY COURTHOUSE 150TH ANNIVERSARY

 Mr. BOND. Mr. President, on behalf of my fellow Missourians, I 
extend my warmest congratulations to the citizens of Iron County and 
Ironton upon their celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Iron 
County Courthouse.
  Courthouses like the one in Iron County symbolize the basis of 
America's freedoms: a fair and independent judiciary. America is a 
nation based on laws and not men.
  While it is not perfect, to be sure, our system of justice makes it 
possible for all Americans to live in relative peace and prosperity 
most of the time.
  The Iron County Courthouse has long stood as a mark of this 
community's history. The county from which the courthouse takes its 
namesake was originally established from portions of the counties of 
St. Francois, Madison, Washington, Dent, Reynolds, and Wayne by an act 
of the legislature approved February 17, 1857. According to county 
records, the Iron County Courthouse was the product of an order which 
called for the construction of a courthouse and the issuing of county 
bonds, bearing 10 percent interest, for $10,000. The courthouse's 
cornerstone was laid on July 4, 1858, and the structure was completed 
just 2 years later in October 1860.
  In its 150-year history, the Iron County Courthouse has been the site 
of countless hearings and trials in addition to serving as the home of 
county offices ranging from soil and water to university extensions. 
The circuit court for Iron County was organized on May 16, 1858, by 
Judge John H. Stone. In September 1864, during the Civil War, the 
courthouse received damage in the Battle of Pilot Knob.
  The courthouse has been featured on the cover of several local and 
regional publications and, even more notably, has earned the honor of 
inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.
  We recognize the important role the courthouse has played in Iron 
County's history and congratulate local residents on its 150th 
anniversary.

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