[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 26 (Monday, February 25, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E175]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 MADISON COUNTY CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL K. SIMPSON

                                of idaho

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 25, 2013

  Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to congratulate Madison 
County on its 100th anniversary as an organized county in the great 
state of Idaho. Significant events over the past century have made for 
a colorful history, and this commemoration is a noteworthy event for 
both past and present residents of Madison County.
  Madison County, located in Idaho's Upper Snake River Valley, was 
officially established February 18, 1913, by signature of Governor John 
Haines, with its county seat at Rexburg. The new county was named for 
President James Madison, fourth president of the United States. The 
region was first settled by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of 
Latter-day Saints, (Mormons) from nearby Utah. Early families were 
industrious farmers who built the first irrigation system in the state. 
Madison County is now the eighth largest potato growing county in the 
nation and also grows significant acres of grain.
  Brigham Young University Idaho, formerly Ricks College, now the 
second largest university in Idaho, was named after one of the early 
settlers, Thomas E. Ricks. Madison County was declared a national 
disaster area after the ruinous Teton Dam flood of June 5, 1976.
  Sugar City is another thriving city in Madison County, located only a 
few miles from the county seat. The four federally protected areas in 
the county are: Caribou Targhee National Forest, Cartier Slough and 
Deer Parks Wildlife Areas, and the volcanic Menan Twin Buttes.
  Visitors to Madison County can tour two buildings listed on the 
National Historic Register: The Rexburg Tabernacle and the Madison 
County Courthouse. Other attractions include the Teton Dam Flood 
Museum, Yellowstone Bear World, Brigham Young University Idaho Campus, 
the Idaho Centennial Carousel, and the famous International Dance 
Festival.
  The citizens of Madison County demonstrate unity and a sense of pride 
through their deeply sown roots. Family traditions, farms, 
entrepreneurship, and a willingness to extend a helping hand to others 
appropriately characterize this community and its time-honored Idaho 
lifestyle.
  It is a privilege to represent Madison County and the people who 
structure its prominence.

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