[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 206 (Thursday, December 19, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1617]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CITY OF BENNETTSVILLE, 
                             SOUTH CAROLINA

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                             HON. TOM RICE

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 19, 2019

  Mr. RICE of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
the City of Bennettsville, South Carolina and its 200th Anniversary.
   The City of Bennettsville was founded on December 14, 1819 in 
Marlborough District on the Great Pee Dee River. Named after Thomas 
Bennett Jr., the 48th Governor of South Carolina, the city was formally 
chartered on December 20, 1866 and incorporated on March 4, 1976.
   Since its founding, agriculture has been the number one revenue 
source in and around Bennettsville. Agricultural products of 
Bennettsville include grain, indigo, cotton, tobacco, corn, peanuts, 
timber, fruits and vegetables, as well as the raising of cattle, 
poultry, and swine. Agritourism and agritainment have evolved from the 
stable agriculture industry.
   Upon its founding, the South Carolina General Assembly authorized 
the construction of a new courthouse, designed by South Carolina 
architect Robert Mills. The Mills courthouse was replaced in 1852. The 
following courthouse was headquarters of the 17th Army Corps of the 
Army of the United States and one of the few county seats holding 
records dating back to 1785. The current courthouse was built in 1884.
   Madam Speaker, I honor all that have worked to make the City of 
Bennettsville a symbol of American grace and charm and recognize its 
200th Anniversary.

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