[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 12, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E716-E717]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CELEBRATION OF LEXINGTON, MISSOURI'S BICENTENNIAL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 12, 2022

  Mr. CLEAVER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 
bicentennial of Lexington, Missouri. For two hundred years, Lexington 
has stood as a proud, historic city filled with hardworking people who 
embody the American Dream. As the people of Lexington gather to 
celebrate their bicentennial, let us take a moment to reflect on the 
town's rich history.
  Located on the Missouri River, Lexington was first platted in 1822. 
Founded by Gilead Rupe, the town was established from a river port and 
grew as a result of trade along the Big Muddy. Lexington was named 
after Lexington, Kentucky, as many of the city's early settlers 
ventured from the Bluegrass State. Lexington soon became the county 
seat of Lafayette County.
  In 1861, the town found itself at the center of the Civil War, as the 
Show-Me State split its support between the Union and the Confederacy. 
Between September 19th and September 21st of that year, the town became 
engulfed in the First Battle of Lexington Missouri, colloquially titled 
the Battle of the Hemp Bales. As Blue and Gray forces clashed, the 
Lafayette County Courthouse was struck with a cannonball, where it 
remains lodged in the building's eastern-most column to this day. 
Another landmark from the battle, the Oliver Anderson House, served as 
a Union hospital for the remainder of the war.
  Lexington's history goes beyond the Civil War. Migrants traveled 
through the town on

[[Page E717]]

the Santa Fe, Oregon, and the California trails. The town was also home 
to the headquarters of the trade firm of Russell, Majors, and Waddell, 
the founders of the Pony Express. Historic homes dot the town, 
including Linwood Lawn. The manor was described as ``the largest and 
most palatial home west of St. Louis'' by the local newspaper when it 
was constructed in 1859. Today, after refurbishment, it is still a 
shining example of a historic, antebellum home. The rich history of 
Lexington is something its citizens are proud of and uphold. Indeed, 
history such as this is important at demonstrating the narrative of the 
town and our nation.
  Lexington has been home to various academic institutes over time. 
Throughout the 1800s, multiple institutions for women were opened: 
including the Elizabeth Aull Seminary, Lexington Ladies' College, and 
Central College. In 1880, Wentworth Military Academy opened its doors, 
and throughout its operation, welcomed students from around the world. 
Wentworth became one of the oldest operating military academies west of 
the Mississippi River and remained open until 2017. Throughout its 
history, Wentworth produced many celebrated alumni, including the late 
Congressman Ike Skelton and two Medal of Honor recipients. Meanwhile, 
the Lexington School District continues to provide students with ample 
opportunities to succeed in academics, fine arts, and athletics.
  The city is home to industry and scenery that best exemplify our 
state and what it means to be a Missourian. From Lexington's blufftop 
view of the Missouri River to the surrounding farmland, one can see the 
lush beauty that defines the area. Lexington's surrounding farms, 
orchards, and vineyards offer bountiful harvests every year. And with 
over one hundred businesses in town, its economic activity is as 
fervent as ever.
  This historic town has been an important part of our nation's 
narrative; home to hard-working, genuine people that exemplify the best 
of Missouri. For two hundred years, Lexington has demonstrated the 
spirit of Missouri and America. Madam Speaker, please join me and my 
constituency in honoring Lexington for two hundred years of community 
and success, and in wishing them great prosperity in the future.

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