[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Page 12826]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                              UCON, IDAHO

  Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate and 
acknowledge the centennial anniversary of the founding of the city of 
Ucon, ID. On August 13, 2011, the citizens of Ucon will gather at 
Simmons Park to commemorate its 100th year and unveil a monument to its 
founders. This is a very historic and special day for this community.
  Once a barren wilderness, the city of Ucon is an example of the 
Western spirit and determination in making the desert bloom. First 
colonized in 1884 by George Simmons, early settlers were confronted 
with challenging terrain. Despite the harsh conditions, the settlement 
quickly grew. Within 13 years, a church, school, amusement hall, and 
several dozen homes were built. In 1898, the power of steam and iron 
transformed the town with the introduction of the Oregon Short Line 
Railroad. In order to take greater advantage of commercial 
opportunities provided by the railroad, the main town site was moved a 
mile west. Within a decade several businesses sprang up around the 
railroad tracks and the community began to take shape. On April 16, 
1911, it was officially incorporated as the city of Ucon.
  In the ensuing decades, changes in the railroad and the effects of 
the Great Depression transitioned Ucon from a commercial hub to a 
residential community. Today, many in southeastern Idaho can trace 
their roots to the pioneers and patriots who settled Ucon. 
Congratulations to the people of Ucon for 100 years of success.

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