[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 174 (Tuesday, November 15, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2043]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         CONEJOS COUNTY TRIBUTE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SCOTT R. TIPTON

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 15, 2011

  Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Conejos County, 
Colorado for its 150th Birthday. On November 1, 1861, the Colorado 
legislature created 17 founding counties, of which Conejos was one. At 
the time, Conejos was named Guadalupe County, but its name was changed 
shortly thereafter.
  The area that is now Conejos County was originally settled in the 
1850's, primarily by Spanish speaking immigrants from New Mexico. The 
first village settled was the town of Conejos where Our Lady of 
Guadalupe, the first church to be built in Colorado, was constructed. 
This area, still part of the New Mexico territory, would not become 
part of Colorado for another 10 years.
  After the county was officially established in 1861, it incorporated 
most of the southwestern portion of Colorado until it was broken apart 
and redistributed in 1874. It was at this time that Hinsdale, La Plata 
and Rio Grande Counties were established.
  Today, Conejos County is one of the primary locations for agriculture 
in Colorado, with agribusiness comprising twenty-five percent of 
Conejos County employment. Agriculture not only drives Conejos County's 
economy, but it also contributes to the rich culture and heritage of 
the community.
  Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Conejos County for its 150th 
Birthday. The county's history and culture have contributed greatly to 
the rich heritage of the state of Colorado.

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