[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 21 (Tuesday, February 7, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E158]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION FOR PLYMOUTH

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                          HON. TOM McCLINTOCK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 7, 2017

  Mr. McCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Plymouth, 
California, for the celebration of its centennial anniversary as a 
city. Plymouth is the site of the Amador County Fair and the gateway to 
the beautiful Shenandoah Valley vineyards.
   When we think of the California Gold Country, the image of the lone 
miner packing up a hillside with his mule, pick, and shovel come to 
mind. In reality, the Gold Rush, while a defining moment in our 
region's history, lasted just a few years.
   According to the Amador County Historical Society, ``there was not a 
single discovery of gold or a defining site that became the center of 
activity'' in Plymouth. ``The town was established in 1873, long after 
other mining camps had already become ghost towns.''
   With the easy gold taken from the streams, Green Alden and the 
Hooper family began to consolidate a number of hard rock mining camps 
in the region. They constructed a simple trading post, described by the 
California Office of Historic Preservation as ``all windows and doors 
of cast iron, with gun ports still in some of the windows. Walls at the 
base are 30" thick, with beams in the basement that are 12" x 12." The 
basement was dynamited out of shale rock and the entire foundation is 
visible.''
   While the gold was hard to get, the Plymouth mine produced more than 
$13.5 million in gold and continued to be worked until 1947, an ample 
source of wealth for the area.
   While some gold seekers left, either enriched or disillusioned by 
their experience in the rivers, creeks and mountains, many others were 
determined to stay here and find other ways to make a living.
   Plymouth became a hub trading center, and grew during periods of 
prosperity, wars, depressions and local tragedies including several 
catastrophic fires. Each time the town rebuilt with the gritty pioneer 
spirit of determination which marks our region's culture.
   Today, that heritage is celebrated at the Amador County Fair, which 
has gained a statewide reputation as one of the most authentic fairs in 
California. Filled with rolling green lawns, heritage oak trees, and 
spotless grounds, the Amador County Fairgrounds is simply a must see 
for anyone who wants to have a true Gold Country experience.
   Today, Plymouth has over 1,000 residents contributing to the local 
economy by accessing small businesses, farms, and orchards.
   Mr. Speaker, the City of Plymouth continues to work with state and 
federal partners to improve its infrastructure for its citizens and 
provide a wonderful quality of life. Plymouth has enjoyed a century of 
progress and prosperity and is poised for a lucrative future.

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