[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 92 (Friday, May 15, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E455]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          IN RECOGNITION OF THE 130TH ANNIVERSARY OF PELL CITY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE ROGERS

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 15, 2020

  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I ask for the House's attention 
to recognize the 130th Anniversary of Pell City, Alabama.
  In the late 1890s, in a small community tucked midway between 
Birmingham and Atlanta, three railroad lines connected. The story of 
Pell City began when a young insurance salesman en route to Talladega 
missed his train, and, thus, was forced to spend a night at Pell City's 
Cornett Hotel. That young man's name was Sumter Cogswell.
  Upon reviewing the community's location to water, cotton fields, coal 
mines and railroads, Mr. Cogswell decided to invest in the growth of 
the community. It took him two tries and upon his second try, he moved 
his family and household belongings to the community raising the number 
of people calling this area home to just over 40 people.
  A textile mill was built and jobs were plentiful. In 1901, Pell City 
became the location of the second courthouse in St. Clair County, an 
act that would take an amendment to the Alabama State Constitution to 
complete.
  In the 1960s, Logan Martin Lake and Interstate 20 added to the town's 
appeal, and the population increased dramatically.
  In the 130 years since that fateful day when Mr. Cogswell missed his 
train, and with the direction and investment of visionary leaders, Pell 
City has continued to grow and flourish in one of the fastest growing 
counties of Alabama.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing the 130th Anniversary of 
Pell City, Alabama.

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