[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 19 (Wednesday, January 29, 2020)]
[House]
[Pages H641-H642]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CELEBRATING HICKORY'S 150TH ANNIVERSARY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
North Carolina (Ms. Foxx) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the 
150th anniversary of Hickory, North Carolina.
  In 1870, Adolphus Shuford founded Hickory Tavern, which would later 
become the city of Hickory. Originally, it

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featured seven businesses, seven manufacturing plants, and had a 
population of 330 people.
  In the 1800s, Hickory was a primary trading center along the Western 
North Carolina Railroad, and it grew into one of the largest hubs for 
business manufacturing and textiles in the Southeast United States.
  Today, Hickory is home to more than 40,000 people. It holds data 
centers operated by the world's largest technology companies, and over 
40 percent of the world's fiber optic cable is manufactured there.
  Hickory's history goes even beyond its industrial roots. Some other 
noteworthy features are: the Hickory Motor Speedway, one of the most 
legendary short tracks in the history of American stock car racing; the 
local community college, Catawba Valley Community College, which is 
providing some of the most excellent education offered anywhere in the 
country to the citizens of the area; Lenoir-Rhyne University, one of 
North Carolina's premier schools, which was founded in 1891; a 
wonderful art center; and a Minor League Baseball team, the Hickory 
Crawdads, which was founded 25 years ago.
  While the city continues to grow, its historical landmarks still 
stand as a testament to its rich history. From the Propst House to 
Maple Grove, Union Square to the Henry River Mill Village, Hickory's 
legacy as a leader in textiles manufacturing and trading is ever-
present.
  Hickory has played a pivotal role in North Carolina's history, and it 
continues to make a sizeable impact on North Carolina's economy.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent Hickory, North Carolina, and I 
am certain it will continue to prosper and celebrate many more 
significant milestones in the future.

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