[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23487]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE COUNTY OF ORANGE AS IT CELEBRATES ITS 275TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ERIC CANTOR

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 2, 2009

  Mr. CANTOR. Madam Speaker, I am proud to recognize Orange County, 
Virginia as it celebrates its 275th anniversary.
  Orange County is located northeast of Charlottesville, and is the 
birthplace of President Zachary Taylor and the home of President James 
Madison's estate at Montpelier. Award winning wineries and breathtaking 
views of the Blue Ridge Mountains can also be found here.
  Orange County was a strategically important location during the 
American Civil War. Just north of the town of Orange, the Rapidan River 
was effectively the northern border of the Confederacy for several 
years. Consequently, the area witnessed countless troop movements, 
patrols, skirmishes, and encampments. In addition, the town of Orange 
served as General Robert E. Lee's headquarters during that time. In 
fact, General Lee worshipped at the St. Thomas Episcopal Church on 
Caroline Street, which still stands today.
  The county continued to thrive into the twentieth century, although 
fire destroyed much of the eastern part of the town of Orange in 1908. 
However, many of the buildings constructed shortly after the fire still 
remain. In fact, Orange was well-known for its silk mill, which 
produced many of the parachutes used by U.S. troops during World War 
II. The silk mill finally closed in the 1970s, but the building still 
remains and is used by local businesses.
  Orange County residents will celebrate and honor their heritage and 
275 years of history with events and activities throughout the year. In 
conjunction with the Fall Fiber Festival at Montpelier, the 
Gordonsville Street Festival, and other county-wide events, the town of 
Orange will have a Blues Festival on Main Street on October 3rd to mark 
the anniversary.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating the fine citizens of 
Orange County as they celebrate this anniversary and wishing them the 
best for their continued growth and success.