[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 9392-9393]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   PRESCOTT, ARIZONA SESQUICENTENNIAL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PAUL A. GOSAR

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, June 2, 2014

  Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the 
Sesquicentennial of the city of Prescott, Arizona. The city of Prescott 
was founded in 1864 as the territorial capital of Arizona. Shortly 
after President Abraham Lincoln appointed the territory's first 
governor, John A. Gurley, Prescott was selected as the site of its 
first capital because of its mild climate and access to valuable 
natural resources such as water and gold.
  In its 150 year history, the city of Prescott has been host and home 
to pioneers integral to both the story of Arizona and the United 
States. The city is recognized as home to the world's oldest rodeo 
where in 1888 local merchants organized the first professional ``Cowboy 
Tournament.'' It is also home to Arizona's first elected female 
official, Sharlot Hall, whose celebrated poem ``Arizona'' helped 
influence

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the U.S. Congress to admit Arizona and New Mexico into the Union as two 
separate states. Barry Goldwater launched his magnetic 1964 
presidential campaign on the steps of the Yavapai County Courthouse; a 
campaign of principles that continues to influence political debate 
today.
  The city of Prescott embodies the spirit of Arizona, the spirit of a 
free and fiercely independent people, of pioneers who forged homes out 
of the desert and who continue to lead the community and state into the 
future. Congratulations on a momentous 150 years.

                          ____________________