[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 70 (Thursday, May 19, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S3184]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SENATE RESOLUTION 193--HONORING THE BICENTENNIAL OF THE CITY OF ASTORIA

  Mr. MERKLEY (for himself and Mr. Wyden) submitted the following 
resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 193

       Whereas Astoria is a scenic gem on the coast of Oregon, and 
     the residents of Astoria have long represented the essence of 
     what it means to be an Oregonian;
       Whereas the site of Astoria, located at the mouth of the 
     Columbia River where the Columbia River meets the Pacific 
     Ocean, marks the endpoint of the epic Lewis and Clark 
     expedition to explore the American West, and was founded by 
     fur traders in 1811;
       Whereas Thomas Jefferson recognized Astoria as the Nation's 
     first significant claim to the West and noted that were it 
     not for the settlement of Astoria, the United States may have 
     ended at the Rocky Mountains;
       Whereas Astoria evolved from being a fur trading hub to 
     serving as the ad-hoc capital of Oregon Country, and later 
     became a prominent leader in the fishing and timber 
     industries and an important port city;
       Whereas Astoria was incorporated in 1856, and today is a 
     center for manufacturing, art, tourism, and fishing;
       Whereas settlers from Scandinavia and China were among the 
     first to come to Astoria, and the presence of their 
     descendants has contributed to a town rich in both history 
     and culture;
       Whereas Astoria is a vibrant tourism destination that has 
     chronicled its remarkable history with the establishment of 
     superb museums and well-preserved historical sites;
       Whereas citizens of Astoria and visitors from around the 
     country and the world enjoy boating, fishing, and hiking in 
     one of the most beautiful areas on the West Coast; and
       Whereas the natural beauty of the region has been noted by 
     many artists, filmmakers, and writers, serving as the 
     backdrop for many stories, including the beloved film ``The 
     Goonies'': Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That it is the sense of the Senate that--
       (1) Astoria's bicentennial should be observed and 
     celebrated;
       (2) the people of Astoria should be thanked for their many 
     pioneering contributions to the State of Oregon and the 
     United States; and
       (3) an enrolled copy of this resolution should be 
     transmitted to the State of Oregon for appropriate display.

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