[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 136 (Wednesday, September 14, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1619]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      COMMEMORATING THE 300TH ANNIVERSARY OF WARMINSTER TOWNSHIP, 
                              PENNSYLVANIA

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. MICHAEL G. FITZPATRICK

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 14, 2011

  Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise 
today to recognize the township of Warminster, Pennsylvania, upon the 
celebration of its 300th anniversary.
  The township derives its name from the town of Warminster, in 
Wiltshire, England. Warminster is the twin township of Southampton, 
Pennsylvania, which lies immediately southeast and adjoining. It is 
also bounded by the townships of Northampton, Warwick, and Warrington, 
all of which lie in my Congressional district, the 8th District of 
Pennsylvania. To this day, Warminster has the same limits as when 
originally laid out, with an area of over six thousand and ninety-nine 
acres.
  Warminster was one of the earliest townships settled in America, with 
roots tracing all the way back to the 17th century. John Hart and John 
Rush were among the most prominent early settlers in Warminster, both 
arriving shortly after William Penn in the latter part of the 17th 
century. Combined, Hart and Rush owned over one thousand acres of land 
in the Warminster area. They, along with many other early settlers and 
statesman, helped to foster growth in Warminster by aiding in road and 
church construction, and farm development, thus laying the groundwork 
for the beautiful township of Warminster.
  Many years later, Warminster became a refuge for American soldiers 
during the Revolutionary War, at the battle of Crooked Billet. In the 
skirmish action, British forces launched a surprise attack against 
Brigadier General John Lacey and three regiments of Pennsylvania 
militia, forcing them to retreat into the farms in Warminster.
  During the wake of WWII, Warminster also became the home of one of 
the largest naval modification units in the area. At the Naval Air 
Development Center in Johnsville, large quantities of aircraft parts 
were modified for use in the war, and progress was made on the 
development of guided missiles. The NADC also played a critical role in 
training mercury astronauts and establishing the United States as the 
world leader in technology and space exploration. During the cold war 
era, the NADC employed over 2600 people, including 1600 scientists and 
engineers, and 300 members of the military.
  With such a rich history, it is clear that Warminster Township 
deserves much recognition and praise. I am honored to represent the 
people of Warminster Township, and wish them all the best on this 
momentous occasion.

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