[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 75 (Thursday, May 12, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E683]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CITY OF CARMI, ILLINOIS BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 12, 2016

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the City of Carmi, 
Illinois upon her Bicentennial. Founded in 1814 and incorporated in 
1816, the City of Carmi was named in the first home in Carmi, now known 
as the Robinson Stewart House. It is the County Seat of White County, 
Illinois.
   Carmi has a rich history. Using her natural resources, early 
settlers used the river for transportation and was involved in 
agriculture. Today, Carmi citizens still benefit from the natural 
resources of the coal and oil industry as well as agriculture.
   One of Carmi's most famous visitors was Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln 
visited the community to speak at a political rally in 1840 and stayed 
in the building now known as the Ratcliff Inn. Today, The Ratcliff Inn 
is owned by the White County Historical Society.
   Today, Carmi boasts of outstanding schools, several stores and 
businesses on Main Street, many museums owned by the White County 
Historical Society and a number of parks. I extend my congratulations 
to Mayor Jeff Pollard and the citizens of Carmi upon this celebration. 
May the City of Carmi have many successful years ahead.

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