[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Page 5639]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING LAUREL COUNTY, KENTUCKY

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I rise today to give recognition to one 
of the Commonwealth's most unique and historic areas, Laurel County, 
KY, which celebrated its 185th birthday on March 5, 2011. Located in 
Kentucky's eastern coal country, Laurel County was named after the 
trees that grow along the banks of the Laurel River. A county full of 
rich history and tradition dating back before the Civil War years, 
Laurel County first established their government and began business in 
1826. Organized through a general assembly, it was the 18th county 
created in the Commonwealth.
  London, the largest town in Laurel County, also celebrated its 185th 
birthday this year on March 6. Although named after London, England, 
the town's festive characteristics gave it a name in its own light. In 
proximity to beautiful landscapes which were explored by the likes of 
Daniel Boone and Levi Jackson, the two parks that bear their names, the 
Daniel Boone National Park and the Levi Jackson Wilderness Road State 
Park, have been hailed as two of the most sought-after vacation spots 
in the country. Cumberland Falls State Resort Park as well as numerous 
hiking and bike trails also showcase some of the best scenery the 
Bluegrass State has to offer. Well-known names such as national best-
selling author Silas House, former University of Kentucky star and NBA 
basketball player Jeff Sheppard, and the infamous Kentucky Fried 
Chicken founder Colonel Harland David Sanders have all called Laurel 
County home.
  Whether you are sampling a taste of fried chicken at the World 
Chicken Festival, enjoying a country music show at the Renfro Valley 
Entertainment Center on a Friday night, or taking in the scenery of the 
challenging Redbud Ride bike trail, Laurel County has a little 
something for everyone. Maybe it is a combination of these one-of-a-
kind attractions, the pristine beauty of its natural landscape, and its 
strong sense of southern Kentucky hospitality that makes Laurel County 
so welcoming and intriguing. Whatever it is, it keeps people coming 
back for more.
  Mr. President, 185 years later, these vacation crossroads still tell 
a story. Atop the peaks overlooking the Cumberland Gap where the small, 
yet crucial Battle of Wildcat Mountain was fought in the Civil War to 
the crystal clear waters of Laurel Lake, I am sure there will be many 
more stories to tell in the future.
  I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating Laurel County, 
Kentucky's 185th birthday. This is an exciting time for the people of 
Laurel County and the Commonwealth, and I send them my congratulations 
and best wishes for the future.

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