[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 127 (Wednesday, September 19, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S6443]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       NATIONAL CITY, CALIFORNIA

 Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, today I take this opportunity to 
recognize and celebrate the 125th anniversary of National City, located 
in San Diego County, CA.
  National City was founded in 1868 and incorporated on September 17, 
1887, making it the second oldest city in San Diego County. The land on 
which it stands had earlier been an Indian rancheria, home of Apusquele 
band of the Hamacha tribe. In 1769 it had become one of the ranches 
used by the Mission San Diego de Alcala, and the padres called it La 
Purisima Concepcion.
  In the late 19th century, National City pioneered the shipping and 
transportation systems for San Diego, constructing the area's first 
wharf and introducing the first transcontinental railroad terminus; the 
National City Depot, built in 1882, is the last one standing out of the 
original five transcontinental terminus railroad stations and is 
designated as a California historical landmark. Another local cultural 
treasure ``Brick Row,'' built in 1887 is the only Philadelphia-style 
row housing in the southwestern United States and is listed in the 
National Register of Historic Places.
  Today, National City's 3-mile-long port along San Diego Bay is part 
of Naval Base San Diego, the largest U.S. Navy base on the west coast. 
In addition to its leading role as a naval gateway, National City is 
considered a symbolic link between San Diego and Mexico.
  On September 22, residents of National City will gather for a 
citywide 125th anniversary picnic at Kimball Park. I congratulate the 
people of National City on this special occasion and salute their rich 
history and wonderful community spirit.

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