[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 30 (Thursday, February 13, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1066-S1067]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    150TH ANNIVERSARY OF LEE COUNTY

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, today it is a privilege for me to join 
Kentuckians in Lee County in marking 150 years of their distinguished 
history. Found in Eastern Kentucky, where tall hills meet dense 
forests, Lee County is home to a special rural heritage. I would like 
to spend a few moments today to look back at the area's wonderful 
traditions and to celebrate its great potential for the future.
  To fully understand Lee County's history, we must appreciate its 
geography. The county seat, Beattyville, sits at the birthplace of the 
beautiful Kentucky River. The Commonwealth's

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namesake waterway has historically provided Lee County residents a 
shipping avenue and a scenic venue for outdoor recreation. Lush valleys 
led local farmers to grow a wide range of crops, including tobacco, 
corn, and apples. The Daniel Boone National Forest, which covers 
thousands of acres of the county, provides an abundant source of 
hardwood. Taking advantage of the beautiful Appalachian Mountains, coal 
operations in the county have been a historic aspect of this region.
  Formed in the years following the Civil War, Lee County did not take 
long to become a center of regional ground and water transportation. At 
the beginning of the 20th century, the Louisville and Atlantic Railroad 
extended its line to Beattyville, encouraging new opportunities for 
local growth. The following decades saw a strengthening economy and 
growing population.
  As the county developed, so did its rural traditions. One of them, 
the local Woolly Worm Festival, celebrates Lee County's mountain 
culture. Each October, the community gathers for a variety of events, 
including a pet show, a parade, and a pageant. The most interesting day 
is the Woolly Worm Races, where young people see whose banded woolly 
worm is the fastest to climb a string. The winning worm is given the 
responsibility of predicting that year's upcoming winter based on its 
body's coloration. This is just one example of the pride every Lee 
County resident can enjoy in their home county.
  I frequently get the chance to visit with families in Lee County and 
consistently work to advance their priorities in the Senate. For 
example, I have partnered with local officials to secure millions of 
Federal dollars to upgrade their water infrastructure and to build a 
hiking and mountain biking trail. It has also been a privilege to 
support the brave drug eradication efforts of law enforcement and the 
Kentucky National Guard in the Daniel Boone National Forest. Answering 
the call of Kentuckians is one of the best aspects of my service in the 
Senate, and I look forward to continuing to deliver for communities in 
Lee County and across Kentucky.
  Lee County will kick off its year of festivities on March 1, the same 
day the county was established in 1870. In addition to many community 
events, the county is also presenting an oral history project, 
featuring community members discussing local artifacts and historical 
events. There is certainly a lot to celebrate about the last 150 years. 
I am delighted to join all the families throughout Lee County in 
marking this impressive milestone, and I urge my Senate colleagues to 
join me in paying tribute to this wonderful Eastern Kentucky community.

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