[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 179 (Tuesday, November 13, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S6912]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  300TH ANNIVERSARY OF FALMOUTH, MAINE

  Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, today I wish to commemorate the 300th 
anniversary of the town of Falmouth, ME. As one of the oldest 
communities in Maine, Falmouth holds a very special place in our 
State's history and one that exemplifies the determination and 
resiliency of our people.
  While this landmark anniversary marks Falmouth's incorporation, the 
year 1718 was but one milestone in a long journey of progress. It is a 
journey that began thousands of years earlier with Native American 
villages on the shores of Casco Bay. In 1623, just 3 years after the 
Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, Christopher Levett established a 
settlement on an island in the Bay and became friends with the 
Presumpscot Tribe. During the decades that followed, a robust 
settlement of farms, fishing boats, and sawmills developed and thrived. 
Due to the abundance of tall white pine trees, Falmouth became a 
leading manufacturer of ship masts for the British navy.
  Falmouth is a town defined by hard work and a love of freedom. In 
1775, the townspeople rose up in protest of colonial rule, and British 
forces retaliated by burning Falmouth to the ground. Undaunted, 
Falmouth rebuilt and sent a company of patriots to join the fight for 
American independence. During the Civil War, more than 100 of 
Falmouth's young men fought, and many died, so that all might live in 
freedom. The new Falmouth Veterans Memorial, made possible by 
widespread community support, honors all who have served our country.
  Today, Falmouth is a place of thriving commerce, quiet neighborhoods, 
and beautiful scenery. Its schools are among the best in our State, 
providing opportunity to its young people. At the same time, Falmouth 
is home to an active and engaged senior community.
  This anniversary is not just about something that is measured in 
calendar years. It is a celebration of people who for more than three 
centuries have pulled together, cared for one another, and built a 
great community that is a wonderful place to live, work, and raise 
families. Thanks to those who came before, Falmouth has a wonderful 
history. Thanks to those who are here today, it has a bright future.

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