[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 38 (Thursday, March 8, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E340]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING THE 175TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CITY OF MASCOUTAH, ILLINOIS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 8, 2012

  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join 
me in recognizing the 175th Anniversary of the City of Mascoutah, 
Illinois.
  In the early 19th Century, much of the development in Southwestern 
Illinois had been concentrated along the Mississippi River which formed 
its western border. By the 1830's the county seat of Belleville was the 
easternmost town in St. Clair County. Roads were sparse, with the St. 
Louis--Shawneetown mail route being the road that provided transit for 
mail, goods and travelers between the Ohio and Mississippi rivers.
  In 1837, a group of German settlers platted the town of Mechanicsburg 
along the St. Louis--Shawneetown mail route and a post office 
immediately relocated there. Since postal records indicated there was 
already a Mechanicsburg, Illinois, the post office and town were 
renamed, Mascoutah, a name taken from the Mascouten tribe of Native 
Americans.
  The low, swampy terrain of Mascoutah would prove challenging for the 
early settlers, but a saw mill and flour mill attracted customers among 
area farmers and a wave of German immigration in the 1850's helped to 
swell the population. By 1880, Mascoutah was the third largest town in 
St. Clair County with a population of 2,576.
  As the region developed, many changes had an effect on the growth of 
Mascoutah. In addition to mills and breweries, coal mining brought 
employment to many in St. Clair County and drew more people looking for 
work. In 1917, the U.S. War Department leased land near Mascoutah to 
develop one of the new ``flying fields.'' Scott Field would grow into 
Scott Air Force Base which would have a tremendous impact on every 
aspect of life in the Mascoutah community.
  From its founding 175 years ago, Mascoutah has experienced 
considerable growth and has positioned itself to continue that trend. 
It offers a small-town feel within a major metropolitan area and prides 
itself on excellent schools and a great quality of life.
  It has been an honor to represent the City of Mascoutah for over two 
decades in the U.S. Congress.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 175th 
Anniversary of the City of Mascoutah, Illinois and to wish them the 
best for a bright and prosperous future.

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