[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 4]
[House]
[Page 5158]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    CAMBRIA COUNTY'S 200TH BIRTHDAY

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                           HON. BILL SHUSTER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 24, 2004

  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Cambria County, 
Pennsylvania, as it celebrates its 200th Birthday. Having adopted the 
ancient name for Wales, Cambria is a county rich with culture, beauty, 
and natural resources. This picturesque region was designated on March 
26, 1804, as Cambria County, when parts of Huntingdon, Somerset and 
Bedford counties merged together.
  In the last 200 years industrialization has dictated the progression 
of this land. The vast opportunities for employment in coal mining, 
iron production, and railroad construction throughout the nineteenth 
century attracted an eclectic group of workers. With origins primarily 
in Wales, Ireland, and Germany, the newly settled immigrants bore the 
cuts, bruises, fatigue and pain necessary to plant the seeds for a 
prosperous new county.
  In 1825, coal mining became the largest industry in the region, not 
only illuminating countless homes, but contributing greatly to the 
bustling Pennsylvania steel industry. From the production of steel and 
iron came the construction of the Allegheny Portage Railroad, and only 
20 years later, the invaluable Pennsylvania Railroad. Despite having to 
endure several natural catastrophes, including severe flooding and 
multiple mine disasters, the region continued to flourish and provide 
the necessary resources for this young nation so that it was able to 
grow.
  For 200 years the citizens of Cambria County have remained loyal and 
committed to industry--the very roots upon which this community was 
founded. The rich history that has been told through the sweat and 
tears of Cambria's past inhabitants parallels the history of our 
Nation. As you immerse yourselves in this celebration of Cambria 
County's 200th Birthday, you are learning about the people and the 
events that formed the very foundation of the United States of America.
  Today, the people of Cambria County have every reason to be proud of 
the progress that has been made. Your efforts have and will continue to 
benefit your children, the very heart of this celebration, who will 
guide this county and this nation into a successful future.
  Happy Birthday Cambria County!

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