[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 149 (Friday, October 9, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1473]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF THE 200TH BORDER SURVEY ANNIVERSARY OF PITTSFIELD 
                           TOWNSHIP, MICHIGAN

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                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 9, 2015

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 200th Border 
Survey Anniversary of Pittsfield Township, Michigan. This day 
commemorates the survey which established the borders of this 
significant municipality.
  Pittsfield Township is a vibrant community with a rich history. The 
area now known as Pittsfield Township was a common crossroads for 
Native Americans to travel across the country for more than 10,000 
years. The land was surveyed on a cold day in 1815 by Alexander Holmes. 
His work continues to mark the municipality's border with Lodi, Scio, 
and Ann Arbor Townships. In 1824, Geo. W. Noyes made the purchase of 
federal land for the township. Originally established as the ``Township 
of Pitt'' by the Sixth Legislative Council in 1834, it was named in 
honor of British statesmen William Pitt the Elder who was a passionate 
advocate for American interests in Parliament prior to the War of 
Independence. Settlers of European and African heritage settled this 
area, cleared the land, erected the first school house in Washtenaw 
County, and created the foundation of this community.
  Although the present territory of this township might be 
unrecognizable to figures of the past, it continues to grow because of 
engaged citizens and steady leadership. Pittsfield has strategically 
built a municipality which successfully balances economic growth, 
recreational activities, agricultural viability, and preserving green 
spaces. This township has grown into the third largest municipality in 
Washtenaw County because of policies that encourage talented residents 
to foster economic growth. Residents of their community are proud of it 
and continually make meaningful contributions to their community and 
the surrounding area.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today to celebrate 
Pittsfield Township's 200th Border Survey Anniversary. Its history is 
an important piece of Michigan's heritage and the anniversary provides 
an occasion to celebrate and remember it.

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