[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 118 (Monday, July 15, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S4817]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     BICENTENNIAL OF SIMPSON COUNTY

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, today I would like to join my fellow 
Kentuckians in Simpson County as they celebrate their bicentennial 
anniversary. Along our Commonwealth's southern border with Tennessee, 
Simpson County is home to two centuries of rich history and cultural 
heritage. Today, I would like to mark this impressive milestone.
  The county was named in tribute to a brave Kentuckian who made the 
ultimate sacrifice in service to our Nation in the Battle of the River 
Raisin during the War of 1812, Captain John Simpson. A prominent 
Kentucky lawyer and state legislator, Simpson served as the speaker of 
Kentucky's House of Representatives in 1810 and 1811. The following 
year, Simpson was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, but 
postponed taking his seat to join the Army, where he was killed serving 
our young Nation.
  The county's rich history and fertile land has helped grow a strong 
agricultural tradition, with tobacco, corn, and hay planted in the 
soil. Interestingly, Simpson County was also known as a popular dueling 
ground in its earliest days. The county's proximity to the state line 
apparently drew a number of prominent individuals for these so-called 
affairs of honor. Even Sam Houston, the future President of the 
Republic of Texas and U.S. Senator, is said to have fought and won a 
duel there in 1826.
  As with many communities throughout Kentucky, Simpson County 
residents were sharply divided during the American Civil War. Residents 
served on both sides of the conflict, and troops skirmished in the area 
following attacks on two trains on the Louisville & Nashville Railroad 
lines in 1863. The war left a long-lasting impact on Simpson County's 
economy and post-war recovery.
  For many years, residents thrived from a primarily agricultural 
economy. In fact, Simpson County was known as one of the largest mule 
markets in the world. Midway through the 20th century, local leaders 
sought to expand the county's economy with the help of the completion 
of I-65, which runs through Franklin, the county seat and its largest 
city. That growth continues to this day.
  Residents have planned a year full of festive events for Simpson 
County's bicentennial year. In remembering their proud history, they 
will also celebrate the community's great potential ahead. With the 
leadership of Judge Executive Mason Barnes and other dedicated 
Kentuckians, this vibrant community will continue to succeed in our 
Commonwealth. I ask my Senate colleagues to join me in marking 200 
years of Simpson County heritage and wishing them well for many more 
prosperous years to come.

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