[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 35 (Monday, February 23, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S625]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TOWN OF CARTHAGE

  Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, among the robust pines of western Maine, 
Carthage was founded on February 20, 1826. Today, it is an honor to 
join the people of Carthage, ME, in celebrating the 200th anniversary 
of a community that is a great place to live, work, and raise families.
  Prior to the founding of Carthage, the land was used as hunting 
grounds by the Wabanaki people. The Wabanaki hunted white-tailed deer, 
moose, beavers, ducks, and grouse throughout the region.
  In 1804, Mr. William Bowley moved onto the land, accompanied by his 
brother Oliver and father Gideon. The Bowley family built the first 
sawmill, called Bowley's Mills, on Webb River at the base of Lake Webb. 
Webb River drains to the Androscoggin River, making the location 
particularly appealing. The family went on to build a gristmill close 
by the following year. The land was considered formally settled in 1812 
and then founded in 1826 with the fabled city of antiquity as its 
namesake.
  By the 1880s, the town had grown to more than 500 residents and had 
farms, two sawmills, five schools, a gristmill and limestone quarry. 
Centuries later, the town retains the charm and rugged beauty that 
attracted the first settlers. The town's economy was originally 
dominated by forests and farms. Today, the town attracts outdoor 
enthusiasts from throughout Maine and beyond to Rocky Mountain Terrain 
Park and nearby Mt. Blue State Park.
  Carthage is also home to Newman Cemetery, a reminder of the 
townspeople's service to the State and country. In this historic 
cemetery, lie the remains of founding families, as well as veterans of 
the Revolutionary War and Civil War.
  Hiram Pitt Bennet was born in Carthage in 1826, the year of the 
town's founding. Bennet moved west to Colorado, where he was elected a 
territory Delegate to Congress. During his time in Congress, Bennet 
worked tirelessly to push for Colorado's statehood. The legacy of his 
advocacy and public service continue to live on as testament to the 
fine people of Carthage.
  Carthage stands as a shining example of the thriving communities and 
pristine nature our great State of Maine has to offer. I congratulate 
the people of Carthage, ME, on this 200th anniversary and wish you all 
the best in the years to come.

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