[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 188 (Thursday, December 8, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2215-E2216]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CELEBRATING THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF CITRONELLE, 
                                ALABAMA

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 8, 2011

  Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to bring to the attention of this 
House a very special historical event in my home state, the 200th Year 
of Celebration of the founding of Citronelle, Alabama.
  Located in northwest Mobile County, Citronelle may not be a household 
name nationwide, but over a hundred years ago the friendly and charming 
small town was a popular stop for Northern vacationers. To the 
residents of such bustling Midwestern cities as Cleveland and Chicago, 
the name Citronelle conjured images of healing springs and bucolic 
Southern vistas.
  In the early 20th century, Citronelle was known as the ``Land of 
Healing Waters,'' owing to its mineral springs which a 1903 publication 
compared to the famous Poland Springs of Maine.
  Located along the main line of the Mobile and Ohio Railway, for many 
years Citronelle was celebrated not only for its prized therapeutic 
waters, but also for its ``salubrious'' air which was reported to aid 
in the treatment of respiratory disorders. Indeed, the small town soon 
sported four very nice guest accommodations, including the Illinois 
Hotel, the Hygeia Hotel and the Hotel Citronelle. The Hygeia Hotel 
Cottage still stands today and is a local tourist attraction.
  It is not surprising that Citronelle would have gained a reputation 
as a haven for rest and good health. In the late 1700's, the area was 
already destined for fame because of its curative properties. Native 
Americans in Southwest Alabama told European settlers about a unique 
plant thought to cure malaria. The miracle plant--which was named 
``Citronella''--was discovered growing in abundance along the hills 
that would eventually be known as Citronelle.
  Along Citronelle's historic journey, the community also found 
improbable ways to add to its remarkable resume. For example, we all 
learned in school that Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered to Gen. Ulysses 
S. Grant at Appomattox Court House, Virginia on April 8, 1865. What 
some may not have been told in class is that less than a month later, 
on May 4, Lt. Gen. Richard Taylor, son of President Zachary Taylor, 
surrendered his Confederate forces under the ``Surrender Oak'' in 
Citronelle, Alabama. Citronelle was, therefore, one of five Civil War 
surrender locations. The legendary oak tree was sadly lost to a 
hurricane many years ago, but the town's contribution to American 
history is undeniable.
  In addition to being a site of the official end of the Civil War, 
Citronelle has also occupied the spotlight as a potential rival to 
America's Western oil fields. In 1955, Citronelle was dubbed the Oil 
Capital of Alabama and home to the largest oil discovery east of the 
Mississippi River at that time.
  Over the years, the sometimes sleepy town has capitalized on its 
quaint atmosphere, touting its ``delightful walks through the woods 
(that) always charm the man or woman who seeks rest and recreation away 
from the busy city.'' Today, Citronelle remains a beautiful place to 
live filled with hard-working, dedicated people who love their God, 
their country and their families. I am proud to represent this lovely 
city in Congress.
  On December 10, 2011, I will join Mayor Loretta Presnell, and other 
city officials, along with the people of Citronelle, in celebrating the 
birthday of their historic city. Older than the State of Alabama, 
Citronelle occupies a special place in our culture and in our hearts.

[[Page E2216]]

Congratulations to the City of Citronelle on this special occasion and 
a very Happy 200th birthday! May there be many more good years ahead in 
the next chapter of your rich history.

                          ____________________