[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 119 (Tuesday, July 23, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S5176]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  250TH ANNIVERSARY OF EDGECOMB, MAINE

  Ms. COLLINS. Madam President, in 1774, just 2 years before America 
declared its independence, a small village on the Maine coast 
incorporated and took the name of Lord George Edgcumbe, a British naval 
hero and political leader who was known as a devoted friend of the 
Colonies. Today, it is a pleasure to join the people of Edgecomb, ME, 
in celebrating the 250th anniversary of a community that is a wonderful 
place to live, work, and raise families.
  Edgecomb has a rich history. For thousands of years, the land where 
the Sheepscot and Damariscotta Rivers meet the sea was the hunting and 
fishing grounds of the Abenaki. Originally called Freetown due to the 
pro bono success of a Boston lawyer in defeating baseless deed 
challenges by land speculators, the early settlers farmed the fertile 
soil and put those rivers to work powering mills for grain and lumber. 
That early prosperity was invested in schools and churches to make a 
true community.
  As the town grew, so did the range of industries to include brick-
making, canning, tanneries, and shipyards. In addition to valuable 
granite, mica, and quartz, the land was found to contain rich deposits 
of the highest quality feldspar, used in the manufacture of fine china. 
Today, Edgecomb and the neighboring communities are home to ceramic 
artists whose work is prized by collectors around the world.
  Edgecomb is home to many outstanding examples of New England 
architecture with several listings on the National Register of Historic 
Places, including the revered Edgecomb Community Church. One of the 
most fascinating buildings is the so-called Marie Antoinette House. In 
1793, according to legend, a local sea captain named Stephen Clough 
planned to rescue the doomed queen and take her the stately house on 
the Sheepscot River that he had outfitted with the finest French decor. 
Tragically, she was arrested before Captain Clough could put his daring 
plan into action.
  Perhaps the building with the greatest historical significance is 
Fort Edgecomb, an octagonal blockhouse built in 1808 and 1809 to 
protect shipyards during a time of ongoing tension with Great Britain. 
Crucial to the defense of New England during the War of 1812 and the 
Civil War, the fort is now a popular state park.
  Edgecomb's historic connection to America's freedom continues today. 
Last year, the town, along with neighboring communities, launched a new 
tradition by decorating streets and roadways with more than 250 banners 
paying tribute to the region's veterans.
  Maine is known as Vacationland, and Edgecomb perfectly fits that 
picture. With beautiful rivers for kayaking and canoeing, several 
nature preserves for hiking and wildlife-watching, along with great 
food and shopping, there is always something to do. The energy and 
planning going into the town's yearlong 250th anniversary celebration 
demonstrates the pride the townspeople have in their town.
  Edgecomb's 250th anniversary is a time to celebrate the people who 
pulled together, cared for one another, and built a great community. 
Thanks to those who came before, Edgecomb, ME, has a wonderful history. 
Thanks to those there today, it has a bright future.

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