[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 177 (Friday, November 18, 2011)]
[House]
[Page H7876]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         WELD COUNTY, COLORADO

  (Mr. GARDNER asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. GARDNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the 150th anniversary of 
Weld County, Colorado. Weld County takes its name from Lewis Ledyard 
Weld. Weld was appointed by President Lincoln as Colorado's first 
territorial secretary.
  On November 1, 1861, the Colorado Territory's General Assembly 
officially organized Weld County. This November marks the 150-year 
anniversary.
  As with most Western settlements during the 1860s, Weld County had an 
extremely sparse population. Today it's got over 250,000 people. From a 
humble start as an area based predominantly on coal mining, Weld County 
has flourished with a thriving business sector and strong agricultural 
economy. In fact, Weld County is the eighth-leading agricultural county 
in the entire United States and the only county outside of California 
ranked in the top 10.
  From small businesses, great land for farming, Weld County is also 
home to the University of Northern Colorado and the Pawnee National 
Grasslands. It's home to over 19 different towns, each one with a 
unique identity that makes this area of Colorado distinctive. And it's 
home to thriving energy interests and some of the Nation's leading 
water pioneers.
  One of my favorite events every year is the Fourth of July Greeley 
Stampede and Parade. It reminds me of what it means to call Colorado 
home.
  Weld County embodies everything that is great about heading West, and 
I am proud to recognize their 150th anniversary.

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