[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 78 (Wednesday, May 20, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S3178]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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               HOPKINTON, NEW HAMPSHIRE 250TH ANNIVERSARY

 Ms. AYOTTE. Mr. President, today I honor Hopkinton, NH--a town 
in Merrimack County that is celebrating the 250th anniversary of its 
founding. I am proud to join citizens across the Granite State in 
recognizing this special milestone.
  Hopkinton, previously known as New Hopkinton by the original settlers 
from Hopkinton, MA, was incorporated in 1765 by colonial Governor 
Benning Wentworth, and included the three communities of Hopkinton, 
Contoocook Village, and West Hopkinton. As a centrally located town, 
Hopkinton gained an influential reputation. Its farms thrived on 
fertile land fed by local bodies of water and businesses continued to 
prosper as State leaders and prominent business owners moved to the 
area to be closer to the center of activity.
  As the town's influence grew, it came to be known as one of the most 
powerful locations in the State. Coincidentally, the New Hampshire 
Legislature met in Hopkinton four times during the years of 1798 to 
1807. The civic-minded residents of the town later petitioned for 
Hopkinton to become the State's capital city, but the neighboring town 
of Concord eventually won the bid in 1814 and now houses the New 
Hampshire Legislature.
  Hopkinton is home to two historic covered bridges, including the 
Rowell's Bridge that was built in 1835 and the Contoocook Railroad 
Bridge that spans the beautiful Contoocook River and is the oldest 
covered bridge of its kind in existence. With 1290 acres of protected 
land, Hopkinton is rich in natural beauty with sprawling forests, 
numerous hiking and biking trails, as well as access to countless 
outdoor activities including canoeing, kayaking and cross country 
skiing.
  The town's population has grown to over 5,500 residents, but their 
record of service is indicative of a much larger town. The people of 
Hopkinton have a strong commitment to the spirit of community and 
volunteerism, as evidenced by the hard work and dedication of its 
residents involved with the planning and celebration of the 100th 
anniversary of the renowned Hopkinton State Fair this coming September 
and the town's special sestercentennial anniversary.
  Hopkinton and its residents have greatly contributed to the life and 
growth of New Hampshire. I ask my colleagues to join me today in 
extending congratulations to the people of Hopkinton as they celebrate 
the town's 250th anniversary.

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