[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 186 (Tuesday, December 6, 2011)]
[House]
[Page H8145]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING LARIMER COUNTY

  (Mr. GARDNER asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. GARDNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 150th anniversary 
of Larimer County, Colorado.
  The first settlers arrived in 1858; and Antoine Janis, who led the 
party, declared the area of present-day Larimer County to be ``the 
loveliest spot on Earth.'' Larimer County captures what outsiders 
envision as Colorado's true beauty. The county is named after General 
William Larimer, an early Denver settler and founder who was made the 
county's namesake as a tribute.
  From the farmlands, to the majestic mountains, to the robust business 
sector, to the kind people, Larimer County is Colorado.
  It is the sixth most populous county in the State. While other areas 
of Colorado were settled and founded at the prospect of gold and mining 
riches, Larimer County was different. It attracted many settlers 
because of fertile lands and reliable water sources. Larimer County 
started as an agricultural area and continues to flourish in 
agriculture production today. Aside from ag, Larimer County has a 
thriving business and health industry, a strong education system, 
picture-perfect scenery, wonderful locations for outdoor recreation, 
and a top-tier research university at Colorado State University.
  In my humble opinion, Rocky Mountain National Park in Larimer County 
is one of the most beautiful places in the entire country and is the 
crown jewel of our National Park System. It is my honor to recognize 
Larimer County's 150th anniversary on the House floor and acknowledge 
all that it has to offer.

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