[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 5 (Thursday, January 9, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S121]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                       MONROE COUNTY BICENTENNIAL

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, at the beginning of a new year, most of 
us look ahead with plans, expectations, and resolutions. The residents 
of Monroe County in the Pennyroyal region of South Central Kentucky, 
however, are spending the first days of the new year looking back on 
their unique history. They are looking two centuries back, in fact, to 
the county's founding in 1820. I would like to join with these 
Kentuckians in kicking off a year of bicentennial celebrations of the 
county's blessings and its rich heritage.
  At its founding, local leaders looked to Presidential leadership when 
selecting the name for the county and its seat. President James Monroe 
was honored with the county's name while his Vice President, Daniel 
Tompkins, was the inspiration for the county seat's name, 
Tompkinsville.
  Early Monroe County residents took advantage of the area's fertile 
soil and its close proximity to the Cumberland and Barren Rivers. In 
this beautiful setting, they began developing deep agricultural roots 
with livestock and staple crops like tobacco and hemp.
  Like many Kentucky counties, Monroe's early economic development was 
stunted during the Civil War. Many local residents joined the war 
effort, and support for the Union led to the establishment of Camp 
Anderson and the raising of the 9th Kentucky Infantry. Unfortunately, 
Monroe County's location on the Kentucky-Tennessee border also caused 
multiple invasions by both Union and Confederate forces throughout the 
war. During one of these raids, a Confederate unit captured 
Tompkinsville and burned much of the town, including the courthouse, 
causing lasting devastation.
  Although the local economy was slow to rebound immediately after the 
war, the new century helped Monroe County get back on track. Since that 
time, families in the region have continued developing their rural 
traditions while making important investments into new local 
industries. A little over a decade ago, I was proud to partner with 
local officials in Monroe County to deliver Federal funding for a new 
water treatment facility, along with other upgrades. Together, we are 
helping to encourage new opportunities for economic growth and good 
jobs for Kentucky families.
  In addition, I greatly enjoy working with a proud son of 
Tompkinsville, Congressman   James Comer, who is a strong champion for 
his hometown and all of the First District of Kentucky here in 
Washington.
  The yearlong bicentennial celebration will feature a wide range of 
Monroe County's history, as well as some of its local specialties. From 
its famous barbecue to a Gospel music event, the festivities will 
showcase the many talents of Monroe County families. They will also pay 
tribute to local veterans, honoring the county's long and distinguished 
record of contributing to our Nation's defense.
  In celebrating their wonderful history, these Kentuckians are also 
preparing to take advantage of their great potential ahead. With the 
principled leadership of Congressman Comer, State Representative Bart 
Rowland, County Judge/Executive Mitchell Page, and many other local 
officials, Monroe County is well-positioned for a bright future. It has 
been a privilege to help kick-off this bicentennial celebration, and I 
ask my Senate colleagues to join me in congratulating all the residents 
of Monroe County on this milestone. Together, we look forward to many 
more prosperous years to come.

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