[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 129 (Friday, September 21, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1597]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING WASHINGTON COUNTY, COLORADO ON ITS 125TH ANNIVERSARY

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                           HON. CORY GARDNER

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 20, 2012

  Mr. GARDNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Washington County, 
Colorado on its 125th Anniversary.
  Washington County is distinctly different from the Washington I am 
standing in today. However, both did name their areas in honor of the 
first President of the United States, George Washington.
  This past February marked their 125th anniversary of Washington 
County, and they have much to celebrate.
  During the early 1880s, the Northeast section of Colorado experienced 
a boom in agricultural development and settlers flocked to the area for 
available and plentiful land to grow crops. In fact, my family sold 
farm equipment in Akron and Otis, something my family remains very 
proud of to this day.
  The population expansion led the Colorado State Legislature to pass 
legislation that officially established Washington County in 1887, and 
declared Akron, Colorado as the county seat.
  After some territorial disputes with the town of Yuma, the current 
boundaries were established in 1903.
  Today, over 4,800 Coloradoans call Washington County home, and the 
county continues to promote Colorado's rich agricultural legacy.
  I had the honor and privilege to represent Washington County when I 
served in the Colorado State Legislature, and it is again my honor and 
privilege to represent this great county in the United States Congress.
  I am proud to recognize Washington County on their 125th Anniversary.

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