[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 149 (Wednesday, October 23, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1555]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE 175TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CITY OF POWDER SPRINGS

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                            HON. DAVID SCOTT

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 23, 2013

  Mr. DAVID SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, every now and then, we have 
the opportunity to step back and reflect on our history, our 
accomplishments and struggles and think about how we want to shape our 
future. October brings a special opportunity for such reflection, as 
the City of Powder Springs, in my home district in Georgia, observes 
its 175th Anniversary. Considering that our nation is only 237 years 
old that is cause for much celebration.
   Few people know that Powder Springs is not the original name of the 
City. It was first incorporated as the town of Springville in 1838. 
While settlers first came to the town in search of gold, they quickly 
discovered the medicinal properties of the seven mineral springs in the 
area. In the 1850s Springville widely became known as a health resort, 
and people came from great distances to experience the springs. The 
mineral water from these springs caused the sand around the springs to 
turn black, resembling gunpowder, which lead the city to be 
incorporated as Powder Springs in 1859.
   The next several decades were hard on Powder Springs. The Civil War 
put an end to the use of the area as a health resort. After the Civil 
War, a thriving agricultural industry sprung up, but the coming of the 
boll weevil in the 1920s and the Great Depression devastated the 
region.
   But the hard-working people of Powder Springs never gave up. With a 
population quickly approaching 16,000, the city is once again 
prospering. Its beautiful parks, nature trails and recreation centers 
draw in visitors from afar. The Silver Comet, for example, is a well 
known 59-mile ``rails to trails'' multi-use trail that runs through the 
heart of the City. Residents also have access to over 100 acres of 
permanently protected green space. I am always amazed at the level of 
community involvement in Powder Springs, which in part streams from the 
excellent leadership of Mayor Pat Vaughn, who was the city's first 
female mayor. My fellow colleagues, I hope you will join me in 
celebrating this historical milestone and this remarkable city.

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