[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 6] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages 8717-8718] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]TRIBUTE TO THE TOWN OF OAKHAM ON THE OCCASION OF THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF ITS FOUNDING ______ HON. JOHN W. OLVER of massachusetts in the house of representatives Thursday, June 7, 2012 Mr. OLVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 250th anniversary of the town of Oakham, Massachusetts. Beginning in 1742, Scotch-Irish Presbyterians began to buy land in what was then called ``Rutland West Wing'' in the hopes of incorporating their own town under a Presbyterian form of government. After two failed attempts, Oakham was finally incorporated on June 7, 1762. In early colonial times, the present town of Oakham was a virgin forest occupied by bands of Nipmuk Indians who made seasonal camps in the area for hunting, fishing, and agricultural purposes. During King Philip's War (1675-1676) a 150 square mile area known as Naquag, which includes the land presently [[Page 8718]] known as Oakham, became a stronghold for Native Americans. The Native Americans were on the losing end of the conflict and many of them then left central Massachusetts looking for new homes. Those who remained were forced to live in four ``Indian Towns'' under close supervision by the colonists. This left the entire area of Naquag open for colonial expansion. In 1686, five Nashaway Indians, who claimed ownership of Naquag, sold the territory to a group of land speculators from Lancaster, Massachusetts for ``25 pounds hard cash.'' By 1722, Scotch-Irish immigrants began to buy lots in the area and the town of Rutland was soon incorporated with a Congregational minister. Oakham's founding would be another 40 years in coming. By the beginning of the Revolutionary War, Oakham's population had grown to nearly 600 people. The town was strongly pro-revolution so loyalists in town were forced to leave their property behind and flee to British strongholds in Boston and Canada. The town raised a company of Grenadier to prevent a British attack on Boston during the War of 1812 and also sent nearly 100 volunteers to serve during the Civil War. Nearly one fifth of these soldiers would not live to see Oakham again. The sixth Massachusetts Turnpike was built between Pelham and Shrewsbury in 1799. This 43 miles toll road followed Old Turnpike Road in Oakham and remained in service until 1828, making travel to and from Oakham much easier and faster. In 1877, The Central Massachusetts Railroad opened providing quick transportation for both people and goods throughout the northeast. A depot in town helped Oakham grow and prosper, but by the early 20th century population began to decline as people began to leave farms and move to industrial centers. Today, Oakham has settled into a quiet bedroom community. Recreation has become Oakham's economic focal point with two campgrounds and an 18-hole golf course. An abundance of state land in town provides open space that can be enjoyed by residents and visitors all year long. From ice fishing, cross country skiing, and snowmobiling in the winters to hiking, biking, horseback riding, and hunting in the warmer months, Oakham is a relaxing retreat for many. On the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the town of Oakham, Massachusetts, I congratulate its citizens and praise their dedication and perseverance throughout the town's history. It has been an honor to represent this great community and I wish the people of Oakham a healthy and prosperous future. ____________________