[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 140 (Monday, November 17, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1598]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      YUMA COUNTY SESQUICENTENNIAL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PAUL A. GOSAR

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 17, 2014

  Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 
sesquicentennial of Yuma County, Arizona. Established in 1864 as one of 
the four original counties of the Territory of Arizona, Yuma County has 
been a cornerstone for Arizona commerce, agriculture, development, and 
culture throughout its history.
   Celebrating 150 years since being formally organized, the area of 
Yuma County has a history which extends back much further. It is a 
history closely intertwined with the long and deep Colorado River which 
stretches along the county's western border. Not only did the Colorado 
bring the area's first European visitors--Spanish explorers who sailed 
up the river in 1540 and discovered a thriving Native American village 
on its banks--it also has served as the lifeblood for the region's 
commerce and agriculture.
   Yuma County leads the state and is third in the nation for vegetable 
production. In fact, Yuma County is the ``winter lettuce capital of the 
world'' and supplies 90% of our country's lettuce between November and 
March. The County is also the world's top producer of gourmet Medjool 
dates.
   Yuma County has influenced the culture and identity of Arizona and 
the United States: the gradual taming of the Colorado River which 
unlocked some of the world's best agricultural harvests, the famous 
Yuma Territorial Prison which housed some of the frontier's most 
nefarious criminals, and the booms and busts of bountiful ore and 
mineral mines that populated the desert. These are the stories of the 
Wild West that have shaped the independent and determined spirit of the 
County and its proud residents.
   From its original Native American settlers to its Wild West days to 
its rich agricultural history, Yuma County's story is an integral part 
of the American identity. On November 10, 2014 we celebrate 150 years 
for Yuma County; let us look forward to 150 more.

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