[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 59 (Friday, April 26, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E571]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING THE CITY OF SOCORRO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. PETE P. GALLEGO

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 26, 2013

  Mr. GALLEGO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the City of 
Socorro which is celebrating its 165th anniversary. The City is the 
central point in the beautiful Mission Valley Trail--with a rich 
history. The City of Socorro became a part of the State of Texas in 
1848 after the U.S.-Mexico war.
  After the 1680 Pueblo revolt in northern New Mexico in 1680, the 
Spanish were driven from the North and moved into the area with their 
Native American allies. Later, they built the Nuestra Senora de la 
Limpia Concepcion del Socorro Mission. Although the Great Rio Grande 
Flood swept away the first permanent structure in 1744, resilient 
settlers built a second church. When that was swept away by the Rio 
Grande in 1829, settlers did not give up.
  The Socorro mission we know today was opened in 1843. Approximately 
1,100 settlers built up around the mission.
  The growing City of Socorro faced a down-turn after the railroads 
laid their track to El Paso, bypassing Socorro. The resolute citizens, 
however, were determined to stay in the area for decades. The 
population boomed during the 1960s and 1970s and has continued to grow 
with the same determination and perseverance. Residents have always 
banded together against adversaries.
  The town today is rich in community, history, and culture.
  Making the 165th anniversary celebration even more momentous is the 
fact that it will take place at the new Bulldog Championship Park--
named after the 2009 Socorro High School baseball team that won the 5A 
state baseball championship title.
  I congratulate the city and all its residents on the momentous 
occasion of a 165th anniversary.

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