[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Page 9345]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      HOT SPRINGS COUNTY, WYOMING

  Mr. BARRASSO. Madam President, it is my pleasure to honor the 
residents of Hot Springs County, WY as they celebrate their centennial.
  Located in northern Wyoming, and nestled in the Big Horn Basin, Hot 
Springs County is an incredible place to live and work. Nearly 5,000 
residents reside in the communities of Kirby, East Thermopolis, and 
Thermopolis, the county seat. The county boasts a wide range of 
recreational opportunities, and its residents share the beauty of the 
Big Horn River, the Owl Creek Mountains, and the Wind River Canyon with 
visitors from around the country.
  Hot Springs County has a storied past and a promising future. The 
county is aptly named for the natural mineral hot springs in the area. 
For thousands of years, Big Spring has produced millions of gallons of 
mineral water at a constant temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit. 
Northern Arapahoe and Eastern Shoshone Native Americans relied on the 
spiritual and physical healing powers of the hot springs years before 
the first settlers arrived. In 1896, under the guidance of Chief 
Washakie, the tribal leaders transferred ownership of the land 
surrounding the springs to the U.S. Government. The treaty opened the 
natural beauty of the area to the public to be enjoyed in perpetuity. 
Today, this historic treaty is celebrated every August with the Gift of 
the Waters Pageant. This celebration recreates the treaty ceremony of 
1896 and is a truly special attraction.
  In the past 100 years, Hot Springs County has benefitted from a 
variety of industries and has enjoyed great economic success. The 
county played a key role in supplying oil to support the war effort 
during World War II. The communities of Grass Creek and Hamilton Dome 
were especially efficient producers of oil during this period. In 
addition, a portion of the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railroad 
travels through the county. The Railroad connects the State to 
important supplies and goods from around the country.
  Tourism is arguably the county's most successful industry. In 
Thermopolis, Hot Springs State Park attracts thousands of guests every 
year. Created from the land purchased in the Treaty of 1896, the Park 
provides year-round recreation opportunities, including hiking, 
picnicking, and soaking in the world-famous hot springs. Just 20 miles 
away, folks can visit the Legend Rock Petroglyph Site, which is home to 
some to the best-preserved examples of Dinwoody rock art in the world. 
The Wyoming Dinosaur Center celebrates Wyoming's incredibly rich 
natural history. It is one of the few centers in the world that has an 
active excavation site within driving distance. Visitors can see active 
dig sites, explore modern preparation laboratories, and admire dozens 
of fossilized dinosaurs and specimens. Folks in the county have done an 
incredible job of preserving the county's rich history and sharing with 
its visitors.
  Hot Springs County is a very special place to all of us in Wyoming. 
In addition to being the hometown of my wife, Bobbi Brown Barrasso, 
Thermopolis is also the hometown of former Wyoming Governor Dave 
Freudenthal. The fine folks of the county are incredible leaders and 
greatly contribute to the success of the entire State.
  It is an honor to recognize the residents of Hot Springs County as 
they celebrate their 100th anniversary. This year, the Hot Springs 
County Centennial Committee has planned a countywide celebration on 
June 22nd to commemorate this milestone. I invite my colleagues to 
visit the communities of Hot Springs County. The county's rich 
heritage, geological wonders, and genuine cowboy hospitality provide a 
truly wonderful experience to visitors from all over the world.

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