[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Page 16097]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING THE CITY OF BROOKINGS

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I would like to honor and 
publicly recognize the 125th anniversary of the founding of the city of 
Brookings, SD.
  The city and the county were both named for Wilmot W. Brookings, one 
of the first settlers in the Dakota Territory. Arriving in June of 
1857, Brookings was a highly respected explorer with great amounts of 
courage, energy, ability, and perseverance. He settled in Sioux Falls 
on August 27, 1857. Beginning the trip in January of 1858, he was soon 
set upon by a heavy blizzard, the result of which required the 
amputation of both feet. Not to be deterred, Brookings continued settle 
the area, eventually becoming a leader in a number of government 
entities. The town and county were named for him in his honor and out 
of respect for all he did in the settlement of Dakota Territory.
  Before Brookings' arrival, the area was populated by American 
Indians. Large mounds that were used as burial grounds have been found 
in the area, as well as stone hammers and other stone tools. Fur 
traders entered the area as early as 1750.
  Originally, settlers founded the town of Medary in 1857 in what would 
become Brookings County. Oakwood and Fountain, two other small 
settlements, were also founded at this time and all were hopeful that 
railroad tracks would be laid through the city. On October 18, 1879, 
the railroad passed through Main Street in Brookings, which greatly 
helped the town to grow and prosper. Many of the residents and 
businessmen in Medary and Fountain would eventually move to Brookings.
  Currently, over 18,000 people live in Brookings. The town boasts 
numerous businesses, as well as South Dakota State University. The city 
has already started celebrations for its 125th anniversary and will 
continue them throughout the year. These include a ``Crazy Days'' 
celebration, a large art exhibit, and a tour of historic homes 
throughout the city. It is with great honor that I advise my colleagues 
of the achievements made by this great community.

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