[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 196 (Wednesday, November 18, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1053]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CONGRATULATING COLE COUNTY MISSOURI ON THE COMMEMORATION OF ITS 
                              BICENTENNIAL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BLAINE LUETKEMEYER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 18, 2020

  Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Cole 
County, Missouri, on the commemoration of its Bicentennial.
  Located in the heart of Missouri, Cole County was founded in 1820 and 
named after the fearless pioneer Captain Stephan Cole. Starting with a 
small community of nearly 1,028 people, Cole County now has a 
population of around 80,000. This growth is combined with a rich 
history that outlines the story of the heartland of Missouri.
  Shortly after President Monroe signed the Missouri Compromise on 
March 6, 1820 inducting Missouri into the Union the first Missouri 
Constitution was written. Alexander McNair was elected Governor, Thomas 
Hart Benton and David Barton were elected as U.S. Senators and the 
first Missouri General Assembly comprised of 14 state senators and 43 
state representatives was formed. On November 16, 1820 Cole County was 
established and five years later Jefferson City was founded. In 1826 
Jefferson City officially became the capital of Missouri and has been 
home to the state legislature and governor ever since.
  Moving forward in history, throughout the 1840s and into the 1890s 
Cole County saw massive population growth lead by an influx of German 
immigration to America. Many came seeking religious freedom, 
independence and fertile land. From their many tightly bound 
communities began to grow and develop, many centering around their 
respective churches.
  This year, Cole County will celebrate by placing a special 
commemorative monument at the trailhead of Katy trail as well as 
several other smaller events to commemorate this historic event. In 
these unprecedented times, it is important now more than ever to come 
together and celebrate our shared history and roots in this great 
nation.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Cole County on their 
200th Anniversary. May their rich history continue to be the foundation 
for an undoubtedly bright future.

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