Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-02-23

200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TOWN OF CARTHAGE

TaxesVeterans

Context

On 2026-02-23, Senator Susan M. Collins (R-ME) delivered a floor speech titled "200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TOWN OF CARTHAGE" in the Senate. The speech addressed taxes and also covered veterans affairs. It referenced legislation: S625.

Full Text

200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TOWN OF CARTHAGE

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 35 (Monday, February 23, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 35 (Monday, February 23, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S625] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TOWN OF CARTHAGE Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, among the robust pines of western Maine, Carthage was founded on February 20, 1826. Today, it is an honor to join the people of Carthage, ME, in celebrating the 200th anniversary of a community that is a great place to live, work, and raise families. Prior to the founding of Carthage, the land was used as hunting grounds by the Wabanaki people. The Wabanaki hunted white-tailed deer, moose, beavers, ducks, and grouse throughout the region. In 1804, Mr. William Bowley moved onto the land, accompanied by his brother Oliver and father Gideon. The Bowley family built the first sawmill, called Bowley's Mills, on Webb River at the base of Lake Webb. Webb River drains to the Androscoggin River, making the location particularly appealing. The family went on to build a gristmill close by the following year. The land was considered formally settled in 1812 and then founded in 1826 with the fabled city of antiquity as its namesake. By the 1880s, the town had grown to more than 500 residents and had farms, two sawmills, five schools, a gristmill and limestone quarry. Centuries later, the town retains the charm and rugged beauty that attracted the first settlers. The town's economy was originally dominated by forests and farms. Today, the town attracts outdoor enthusiasts from throughout Maine and beyond to Rocky Mountain Terrain Park and nearby Mt. Blue State Park. Carthage is also home to Newman Cemetery, a reminder of the townspeople's service to the State and country. In this historic cemetery, lie the remains of founding families, as well as veterans of the Revolutionary War and Civil War. Hiram Pitt Bennet was born in Carthage in 1826, the year of the town's founding. Bennet moved west to Colorado, where he was elected a territory Delegate to Congress. During his time in Congress, Bennet worked tirelessly to push for Colorado's statehood. The legacy of his advocacy and public service continue to live on as testament to the fine people of Carthage. Carthage stands as a shining example of the thriving communities and pristine nature our great State of Maine has to offer. I congratulate the people of Carthage, ME, on this 200th anniversary and wish you all the best in the years to come. ____________________

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200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TOWN OF CARTHAGE Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 35 (Monday, February 23, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 35 (Monday, February 23, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S625] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TOWN OF CARTHAGE Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, among the robust pines of western Maine, Carthage was founded on February 20, 1826. Today, it is an honor to join the people of Carthage, ME, in celebrating the 200th anniversary of a community that is a great place to live, work, and raise families. Prior to the founding of Carthage, the land was used as hunting grounds by the Wabanaki people. The Wabanaki hunted white-tailed deer, moose, beavers, ducks, and grouse throughout the region. In 1804, Mr. William Bowley moved onto the land, accompanied by his brother Oliver and father Gideon. The Bowley family built the first sawmill, called Bowley's Mills, on Webb River at the base of Lake Webb. Webb River drains to the Androscoggin River, making the location particularly appealing. The family went on to build a gristmill close by the following year. The land was considered formally settled in 1812 and then founded in 1826 with the fabled city of antiquity as its namesake. By the 1880s, the town had grown to more than 500 residents and had farms, two sawmills, five schools, a gristmill and limestone quarry. Centuries later, the town retains the charm and rugged beauty that attracted the first settlers. The town's economy was originally dominated by forests and farms. Today, the town attracts outdoor enthusiasts from throughout Maine and beyond to Rocky Mountain Terrain Park and nearby Mt. Blue State Park. Carthage is also home to Newman Cemetery, a reminder of the townspeople's service to the State and country. In this historic cemetery, lie the remains of founding families, as well as veterans of the Revolutionary War and Civil War. Hiram Pitt Bennet was born in Carthage in 1826, the year of the town's founding. Bennet moved west to Colorado, where he was elected a territory Delegate to Congress. During his time in Congress, Bennet worked tirelessly to push for Colorado's statehood. The legacy of his advocacy and public service continue to live on as testament to the fine people of Carthage. Carthage stands as a shining example of the thriving communities and pristine nature our great State of Maine has to offer. I congratulate the people of Carthage, ME, on this 200th anniversary and wish you all the best in the years to come. ____________________