[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 132 (Tuesday, September 15, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1279]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF THE 375TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TOWN OF MARSHFIELD

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                        HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 15, 2015

  Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 375th 
Anniversary of the town of Marshfield, Massachusetts, a beautiful 
coastal haven on the state's historic South Shore.
   While the town was officially incorporated as a separate town from 
Plimoth Plantation in 1640, the area that is Marshfield today has been 
inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Wampanoag Tribe, for 
thousands of years. When early English settlers came to the area known 
as Missacautucket by the Wampanoag, they found roads already well-
established by the tribe--some of which are still in use today.
   Established as part of the `New Colony of New Plimoth in New 
England' in 1620, this small colony grew from being predominantly 
cattle farmers to including commercial fishing, salt marsh haying and 
shipbuilding by the start of the 19th century.
   Marshfield and its residents retain a storied place in our nation's 
history. Many of the town's colonists fought in several early American 
wars, including taking an early stance against the British on December 
19, 1773--years before the official start of the Revolutionary War. At 
midnight, the Marshfield Patriots confiscated tea from the old Ordinary 
in the town as a protest against the Crown and a display of solidarity 
with those who took part in the Boston Tea Party, which took place only 
three days prior.
   Perhaps Marshfield's most famous son is Daniel Webster, the former 
Senator and Secretary of State in the years leading up to the American 
Civil War. Though a national figure, this gifted orator and celebrated 
statesman was known in his time as ``the Farmer of Marshfield''.
   Since its historic beginnings, Marshfield has grown into a vibrant 
and active community of over 25,000 residents. Today, the town attracts 
visitors from all over the country as a popular summer destination. 
This scenic town is also known for hosting an annual agricultural fair, 
attracting crowds from all over the region.
   Mr. Speaker, the 375th Anniversary of Marshfield is an opportunity 
both to reflect on the significance of this prominent town and look 
ahead to its future as a pillar of the South Shore. Marshfield's past 
embodies the richness of American history and the indomitable spirit of 
the American people. May this historic Massachusetts town flourish for 
many years to come.

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