[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 73 (Monday, April 29, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E398]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE CITY OF RIDGELAND, MISSISSIPPI, ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 
                           125TH ANNIVERSARY

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                           HON. MICHAEL GUEST

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 29, 2024

  Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the city of 
Ridgeland in Madison County, Mississippi, on the occasion of its 125th 
anniversary in 2024.
  The land that is now Ridgeland was once only a footpath along the 
Natchez Trace for the local Choctaw Indians. Over time, the footpath 
became a common road for travel and commerce. Turner Brashears, an 
early settler in Mississippi, opened a stand nearby in 1804 after 
seeing the potential of the area for business. In 1811, Silas Dinsmor 
opened the Choctaw Agency in the area. Though small and seemingly 
insignificant at the time, in 1812 Andrew Jackson camped with his army 
at Brashears Stand returning from New Orleans.
  By 1829, Madison County, named after former President James Madison, 
was established in Mississippi. The growth in the area was recognized 
and in 1832 William J. Austin was granted land along the Natchez Trace. 
In 1853, Austin sold the land to James Burroughs from North Carolina. 
By 1865, the area was called Yellowley's Crossing by the Illinois 
Central Railroad, which operated there. This changed the old footpath 
forever.
  The local community began to swell with people and the locals started 
calling the area Jessamine. The old Brashears Stand was destroyed by a 
fire in 1896 and Yellowley sold his land to the Highland Colony Company 
owned by Gorton W. Nichols and Edwards M. Treakle. In 1899, the village 
was incorporated as Ridgeland.
  Since its incorporation in 1899, Ridgeland has been a center for 
trade and travel and offers a vibrant life for its residents. Through 
many decades of forward-thinking leadership, including that of longtime 
mayor Gene McGee, Ridgeland has continued to prosper. In 1999, 
Ridgeland celebrated 100 years and here, in 2024, I am proud to offer 
these remarks in honor of her 125th anniversary.
  Ridgeland has done much through the years to contribute to the 
betterment of society and I'm proud to represent Ridgeland, 
Mississippi, in the United States Congress.

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