[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 11] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 14604] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]HONORING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CITY OF EUREKA, HUMBOLDT COUNTY, CA ______ HON. MIKE THOMPSON of california in the house of representatives Monday, July 17, 2006 Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 150th anniversary of the City of Eureka, Humboldt County, CA. The search for gold in the nearby Trinity Mountains brought the first settlers to Humboldt Bay in 1850. By 1856, the burgeoning settlement-- Eureka, I have found it!--was designated the seat of government for Humboldt County by the California Legislature, and on April 18th of the same year officially became the city of Eureka. The massive stands of redwoods and abundant salmon did not go unnoticed by early entrepreneurs, and soon Eureka had many lumber mills and fishing boats. This wealth of natural resources set the stage for Eureka to dominate the regional timber and fishing industries for the next 150 years. Eureka, the heart of the ``Redwood Empire,'' has been a destination for travelers since it was first discovered. In 1914, the first railroad was constructed that tied the community by land to San Francisco. Roads, and the automobile, followed and brought even greater appreciation of the natural splendor of the city and its surroundings. Tourism remains an important part of the area's economy. The preservation of the architectural heritage of the community was acknowledged by the Eureka Heritage Society's effort in 1987 that identified over 1,200 historically significant and diverse buildings in the city. This unique heritage, and the celebrated Carson Mansion, draw tourists from around the world to enjoy the diversity of architecture, antique shops, art galleries, and fine restaurants. Eureka's waterfront harkens back to its reputation as a lively place for timber workers, sailors, fishermen, and miners. A walk along today's waterfront reflects a 30-year renaissance led by the city to celebrate longstanding traditions and a dynamic future--the Woodley Island Marina, a newly constructed public boardwalk and fisherman's dock, the Sacco Amphitheater, Adorni Center, Wharfinger Building, Small Boat Basin and the Eureka Main Library. The citizens of Eureka have always set a high standard for cultural achievement. In 1879, Eureka established the first publicly supported library in the State of California; in 2000 they gathered to celebrate the conversion of the Carnegie Library to house the Morris Graves Museum of the Arts. Eureka is a vibrant cultural center with repertory theater, dance and music, and a celebrated Arts Alive that connects people and art and business. Today the city of Eureka carries on the proud traditions of its early founders, while incorporating the best of modern life into its historic character. Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we recognize the city of Eureka, one of the finest and most vibrant cities in California, on the occasion of its 150th anniversary. ____________________