[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 56 (Wednesday, March 25, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E267]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING THE CITY OF 
                               ST. HELENA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 25, 2026

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
City of St. Helena on the sesquicentennial anniversary of its official 
establishment as a municipality, and to recognize its rich history, 
community spirit, and enduring role as the heart of the Napa Valley. 
This celebration honors the generations of residents, civic leaders, 
and organizations that have shaped the city's unique character, 
agricultural heritage, vibrant cultural identity, and forward-looking 
community values.
  The City of St. Helena was officially incorporated on March 24, 1876, 
though its roots trace back to 1854, four years after California 
attained statehood. The city grew from an agricultural settlement to a 
lively hub for wine production and hospitality, centered around a 
strong and vibrant community. Before Euro-American settlement in the 
1840s, the area was inhabited by the Wappo and indigenous people. A 
local Callajomanes triblet village called Annakotanoma or Anakonoma was 
also located nearby.
  St. Helena is renown as a hospitality destination and was centered 
around the location on its western edge of the first hot springs resort 
in California. The wine industry in Napa Valley as we know it today was 
originally centered around the two major wineries that were established 
in St. Helena and thrive today--Beringer and Krug--whose founders were 
instrumental in the incorporation of the City. Like many municipalities 
in California, what began as a Board of Trustees elected annually 
evolved to a modern city council with a separately elected mayor and 
the compliment of staffing that enables a small municipality to serve 
its populace. For 150 years now, city managers, mayors, and 
councilmembers have paved the way for volunteerism and community-driven 
projects through the city that reflect the values of stewardship and 
collaboration within our local community.
  The City of St. Helena is home to a strong public education system 
with its own St. Helena Unified School District and values education as 
a cornerstone of community success with a long-standing tradition of 
supporting lifelong learning through its public library. Our public 
library was originally established with the help of Andrew Carnegie 
after he--like many others before and since--visited and were impressed 
by both the natural beauty of the Napa Valley and the energy found in 
the local community of St. Helena.
  Mr. Speaker, the City of St. Helena has had a profound impact on our 
community and our community on the city. Therefore, it is fitting and 
proper that we honor the city's sesquicentennial anniversary here today 
as they celebrate this milestone.

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