[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 15452]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  STATEMENT ON THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF WILMOT, SOUTH 
                                 DAKOTA

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to the 125th 
anniversary of the founding of the progressive city of Wilmot, SD. It 
is my pleasure to recognize the citizens of Wilmot on reaching this 
milestone.
  Wilmot is the oldest town in Roberts County and was named after Mr. 
Wilmot, a director of the Milwaukee Railroad. Wilmot was first settled 
in 1880 and filed for a town charter with the territorial government on 
June 3, 1881. In the early years of Wilmot, the community was located 
in Grant County but was shortly thereafter included in the newly 
created Roberts County, where it served as county seat for a number of 
years. The Milwaukee Railroad, which helped bring Wilmot into 
existence, still runs through the town today.
  The community has endured its share of hardship. For example, on June 
17, 1944, much of the agricultural area surrounding Wilmot was 
destroyed by a tornado. Like many rural areas, the community came 
together to help one another, cleaning off farmland and rebuilding 
buildings. This incident shows the strength of the bonds that hold this 
rural community together.
  According to the 2000 census, Wilmot has 543 people. Small towns like 
Wilmot comprise the backbone of our State. These communities are built 
on hard work and solid values and serve as a reminder of South Dakota's 
rich agricultural heritage. Wilmot is served by the Wilmot Enterprise 
weekly newspaper.
  Even 125 years after its founding, Wilmot remains an active and 
vibrant community. As a way of celebrating this achievement, a ``Wilmot 
History Book'' is being compiled. This book will feature stories of all 
kinds about the people and events in Wilmot's past and will serve to 
bring this close-knit community even closer. I am proud to honor the 
people of Wilmot on this memorable occasion and to extend my 
congratulations to them.

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