[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 94 (Thursday, June 7, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E799-E800]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CELEBRATING THE BICENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE TOWN OF AUSTERLITZ

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN J. FASO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 7, 2018

  Mr. FASO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 
bicentennial anniversary of the founding of Austerlitz, New York. 
Formerly known as the proprietorship of Spencers Town in the late 
eighteenth century, the Town of Austerlitz was incorporated in 1818.
  For two hundred years, Austerlitz has taken part in the great 
American experiment, weaving together a diverse community and 
cultivating a strong civil society. This bucolic town situated in 
Columbia County has not only celebrated many great triumphs of our 
nation and witnessed the nascent years of America's existence, but has 
also persevered through times of hardship. The strength and 
independence that continues to define this town are a result of strong 
roots laid and the principles instilled at its founding two centuries 
ago.
  The area which now comprises Austerlitz was initially settled by a 
deed from the Mohican Indians to seventy-five families from New England 
to create Spencers Town, a name based on the fact that many of the 
first settlers were families of Spencers. When a bill was considered in 
the New York Legislature to formally establish a new town, future 
President Martin Van Buren, then a State Senator, is said to have 
insisted that the town be named Austerlitz due to his admiration of 
Napoleon and annoyance that another town was named Waterloo.
  While the area has experienced many changes over the past two hundred 
years, Austerlitz was built on a foundation of determination and 
resiliency. These core beliefs continue to guide and distinguish the 
community today.

[[Page E800]]

  This bicentennial anniversary marks a great milestone in Austerlitz's 
history, and serves as an important time for reflection. On behalf of 
the 19th Congressional District and the U.S. House of Representatives, 
I would like to extend my deepest appreciation and congratulations to 
the town of Austerlitz. As the residents celebrate its 200th birthday, 
I would like to commend them on the success of their small, thriving 
community and wish Austerlitz continued prosperity in its next 200 
years.

                          ____________________