[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 760]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                             BAYTOWN, TEXAS

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 23, 2008

  Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, the city of Baytown, Texas will celebrate its 
60th anniversary on January 24, 2008. Baytown's rich history of rugged 
Texas pioneers, oil boom settlements and economic contributions to 
Texas span more than 150 years.
  Some of the first settlers to the area included Nathaniel Lynch who 
set up a ferry crossing in 1822 at the junction of the San Jacinto 
River and Buffalo Bayou. The crossing, now known as the Lynchburg 
Ferry, continues in operation today by Harris County.
  William Scott, one of Stephen F. Austin's Old Three Hundred families, 
received a land grant in 1824. A settlement grew near his home on San 
Jacinto Bay which included a small store and a sawmill. This settlement 
became known as Bay Town.
  The story of the present Baytown also encompasses the cities of Goose 
Creek and Pelly. The discovery of oil was the common thread that wove 
the three cities' history together.
  In 1916, the Goose Creek oilfield became famous as the first offshore 
drilling operation in Texas. Both of the towns of Pelly and Goose Creek 
developed around the oil field. Ross S. Sterling and his business 
associates built a refinery near Goose Creek in 1917 and founded the 
Humble Oil and Refining Company which later became Exxon Company U.S.A.
  Humble Oil purchased 2,200 acres in the area and called it Baytown. 
The town grew up around the refinery as the company built streets, sold 
lots, provided utilities and offered financing for workers to purchase 
a home.
  Each city operated independently for several years but talks began to 
arise among residents of consolidating the three cities after World War 
I. After several failed attempts at consolidation, the cities reached 
an agreement in 1947. On January 24, 1948, the city of Baytown was 
officially established.
  Today, Baytown continues to live up to its rich legacy of industry 
and community spirit. Exxon is still a major part of the city's 
petroleum industry along with several other major oil companies. 
Baytown is now also home to Goose Creek Consolidated ISD and Lee 
College which provide outstanding educational opportunities for 
students. The future of Baytown shines bright as a great city in which 
to live, work and play.
  There are two well-known landmarks in Baytown, a giant live oak tree 
and the Fred Hartman Bridge. One landmark illustrates the rich history 
of the city's past and the other symbolizes its promising future.
  The live oak tree, estimated to be more than 1,000 years old, grows 
in the center of West Texas Avenue. It has lived since Native Americans 
roamed the coastal plains, the battles of the Texas Revolution were 
fought and the Texas oil field discoveries were made.
  The 440-foot tall Fred Hartman Bridge, a steel cable bridge that 
spans across the Houston Ship Channel, is Baytown's symbol of modern 
engineering and Texas-sized strength.
  It is an honor to represent a part of Baytown as a portion of the 
Second Congressional District. My fellow colleague and friend, Gene 
Green represents the other part of Baytown in the United States 
Congress. Congressman Green and I are proud to have worked with Baytown 
Mayor Stephen DonCarlos and the city council on numerous projects 
concerning the city. They are commended for their leadership in helping 
Baytown grow.
  I look forward to seeing Baytown prosper in the future and wish the 
city Happy Birthday as it celebrates its 60th anniversary.
  And that's just the way it is.

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