[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 3271]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 COMMEMORATING THE SESQUICENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF LA CROSSE, WISCONSIN

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON KIND

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 9, 2006

  Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the 
sesquicentennial anniversary of my hometown of La Crosse, Wisconsin. I 
cannot think of a better place to grow up, live, and raise a family. 
From the rolling bluffs to the lakes and rivers and the miles of hiking 
and biking trails, La Crosse truly is God's country. Its warm, 
generous, and adventurous citizens are examples of the best our country 
has to offer.
  This beautiful river town was founded at the confluence of the 
Mississippi, the La Crosse, and the Black Rivers, an area first used by 
Native Americans as a passageway through the prairie lands of the Upper 
Midwest. The Native Americans were followed by French fur traders, who 
established commerce with the Indians living along the river's edge. 
The traders named La Crosse after the Native American game played with 
netted sticks used to catch a ball. From the Native Americans and 
French fur traders to the vast grain barges of today, the movement of 
goods along the water keeps La Crosse thriving.
  La Crosse was founded in 1841, by a pioneer from New York named 
Nathan Myrick. Myrick established a trading post on Barron Island where 
he first traded with the Ho-Chunk Indians. Once Myrick extended his 
business to trading with steamboat passengers, settlers began targeting 
La Crosse for its rich farming potential. Soon thereafter, the lumber 
industry blossomed. Using the river as their natural transportation, 
lumberjacks floated logs downriver to be processed. By 1858, the 
railroad was built, bringing with it additional growth and development.
  Having been born and raised in the city and traveled to other places 
around the world, I truly appreciate the solid Midwestern values and 
spirit of the people in La Crosse--values that emphasize kindness, 
honesty, family, and community combined with the can-do attitude of the 
town's founders.
  Home to ten grade schools, two high schools, two universities, and 
one technical school, La Crosse highly values quality education for its 
youth. The city has adjusted to the changing times to remain an 
important center of transportation, commerce, and industry in western 
Wisconsin. La Crosse has succeeded in establishing a family- and 
business- friendly environment and will continue to thrive well beyond 
its next 150 years.
  La Crosse's sesquicentennial provides an opportunity to commemorate 
the town's history, ancestors, and traditions. With its historic homes, 
commercial district, natural areas, museums, restaurants, and specialty 
shops, La Crosse provides residents and visitors with much to choose 
from. I enthusiastically invite all my colleagues, their families and 
friends to visit the Coulee Region and the city of La Crosse.
  The people of La Crosse are committed to growth in their community 
while maintaining the harmony of the surrounding land, and I am proud 
to call this beautiful and friendly city my home.

                          ____________________