Floor SpeechCeremonial2024-12-20

250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE CITY OF GREENVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

HealthcareTaxesDefenseEducationVeteransInfrastructure

Context

On 2024-12-20, Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) delivered a floor speech titled "250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE CITY OF GREENVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA" in the Senate. The speech addressed healthcare and also covered taxes, defense. It referenced legislation including S7321, S7322.

Full Text

250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE CITY OF GREENVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024) [Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)] [Senate] [Pages S7321-S7322] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE CITY OF GREENVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA Mr. TILLIS. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the city of Greenville, NC. Greenville is the economic, medical, educational, and cultural hub of eastern North Carolina with top-ranked educational institutions, groundbreaking medical and research facilities, a diversified base of industries, an abundance of indoor and outdoor recreational opportunities, and a down-home feel that is warm and welcoming. Greenville's history goes back to before the Revolutionary War and the founding. In 1761, Pitt County was established and named after William Pitt, a British politician and veteran of the French and Indian War. In 1774 Martinsborough was formally founded and established as the county seat of Pitt County. In 1787, Martinsborough was renamed Greenesville after Major General Nathanael Greene, the consequential American Revolutionary War general who helped ensure American victory over the British. In 1791, Greenville hosted President George Washington during his tour of the southern States. Sadly, a fire destroyed the Pitt County courthouse in 1857 and most of the county's existing records within it, limiting the ability for future generations to track Greenville's genealogy. But the loss of the county courthouse did not impede the city's continued growth as a major city in eastern North Carolina. For example, in 1889, Greenville further expanded as a hub for eastern North Carolina when the first train traveled along the new railroad extension to Greenville, connecting the community to larger markets and transportation networks. In 1907, the North Carolina General Assembly founded the East Carolina Teachers Training School. It would later join the University of North Carolina System and become East Carolina University, which continues to serve as a pillar of the community, and today graduates over 6,000 students annually. In 1923, the first Pitt Community Hospital opened. Today, the ECU Health Medical Center is the heart of the ECU Health System, serving 1.4 million people from 29 counties across nine hospital locations. Continuing its role as a regional hub, the city of Greenville and Pitt County purchased 500 acres of land with an airstrip in 1940 to create the region's first airport, providing service to both local residents and the military over the years. In 1987, the city of Greenville made history by electing Edward Carter as its first African-American mayor. He had previously served for 4 years on the Greenville City Council before his election to serve as mayor. In more recent history, the city of Greenville opened a new city hall in 2006 which includes design features intended to illustrate how government should be open and transparent to its citizens. In 2020, Pitt County was one of the 10 counties recognized by the National Civic League as an ``All-America County,'' highlighting the county's work on inclusive civic engagement to address health and well- being and creating stronger connections among residents. This anniversary is a monumental occasion to celebrate and commemorate the achievements of Greenville, NC. For 250 years, the city has served as a regional hub for eastern North Carolina and a place where you will find yourself in good company. [[Page S7322]] It is my honor to recognize and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the great city of Greenville, NC. ____________________

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250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE CITY OF GREENVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024) [Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)] [Senate] [Pages S7321-S7322] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE CITY OF GREENVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA Mr. TILLIS. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the city of Greenville, NC. Greenville is the economic, medical, educational, and cultural hub of eastern North Carolina with top-ranked educational institutions, groundbreaking medical and research facilities, a diversified base of industries, an abundance of indoor and outdoor recreational opportunities, and a down-home feel that is warm and welcoming. Greenville's history goes back to before the Revolutionary War and the founding. In 1761, Pitt County was established and named after William Pitt, a British politician and veteran of the French and Indian War. In 1774 Martinsborough was formally founded and established as the county seat of Pitt County. In 1787, Martinsborough was renamed Greenesville after Major General Nathanael Greene, the consequential American Revolutionary War general who helped ensure American victory over the British. In 1791, Greenville hosted President George Washington during his tour of the southern States. Sadly, a fire destroyed the Pitt County courthouse in 1857 and most of the county's existing records within it, limiting the ability for future generations to track Greenville's genealogy. But the loss of the county courthouse did not impede the city's continued growth as a major city in eastern North Carolina. For example, in 1889, Greenville further expanded as a hub for eastern North Carolina when the first train traveled along the new railroad extension to Greenville, connecting the community to larger markets and transportation networks. In 1907, the North Carolina General Assembly founded the East Carolina Teachers Training School. It would later join the University of North Carolina System and become East Carolina University, which continues to serve as a pillar of the community, and today graduates over 6,000 students annually. In 1923, the first Pitt Community Hospital opened. Today, the ECU Health Medical Center is the heart of the ECU Health System, serving 1.4 million people from 29 counties across nine hospital locations. Continuing its role as a regional hub, the city of Greenville and Pitt County purchased 500 acres of land with an airstrip in 1940 to create the region's first airport, providing service to both local residents and the military over the years. In 1987, the city of Greenville made history by electing Edward Carter as its first African-American mayor. He had previously served for 4 years on the Greenville City Council before his election to serve as mayor. In more recent history, the city of Greenville opened a new city hall in 2006 which includes design features intended to illustrate how government should be open and transparent to its citizens. In 2020, Pitt County was one of the 10 counties recognized by the National Civic League as an ``All-America County,'' highlighting the county's work on inclusive civic engagement to address health and well- being and creating stronger connections among residents. This anniversary is a monumental occasion to celebrate and commemorate the achievements of Greenville, NC. For 250 years, the city has served as a regional hub for eastern North Carolina and a place where you will find yourself in good company. [[Page S7322]] It is my honor to recognize and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the great city of Greenville, NC. ____________________