093_HR0300
LRB093 11809 HSS 15862 r
1 HOUSE RESOLUTION
2 WHEREAS, The members of the House of Representatives of
3 the State of Illinois wish to congratulate the City of
4 Atlanta on the occasion of its Sesquicentennial Celebration
5 to be held May 23 to 26, 2003; and
6 WHEREAS, Atlanta is the northeasternmost city in Logan
7 County; it was founded in 1853 along the right of way of the
8 Chicago and Alton railroad; Richard Gill moved to Logan
9 County in 1852 from Pekin; early in 1853 upon hearing of the
10 extension of the railroad, Mr. Gill purchased the land on
11 which Atlanta now stands; and
12 WHEREAS, On March 22, 1853, a survey was made and 383
13 lots were platted; the town was dedicated on April 7, 1853
14 and on June 22, 1853, lots were sold at auction; in the next
15 five years, 100 homes and 500 people were added to the
16 community; the town was originally named Xenia, but being
17 denied a post office because of an already existing Xenia,
18 the name of Atlanta was eventually adopted; and
19 WHEREAS, Atlanta was incorporated under the town form of
20 government on February 14, 1869; a special act of the
21 Illinois Legislature approved a charter creating the City of
22 Atlanta; the charter was approved by the voters on March 16,
23 1869, and a special election held March 23, selected Samuel
24 H. Fields to be the first Mayor of Atlanta; and
25 WHEREAS, Atlanta boasts of assets not common to many
26 small communities, including a pharmacy, grocery store,
27 lumber yard, hardware store, florist shop, and dentist and
28 doctor offices; a developing sports complex, tennis court,
29 golf course, and swimming pool, offer leisure time
30 opportunities; a coming skate board park and a proposed hike
31 and bike trail will contribute greatly to the community; and
-2- LRB093 11809 HSS 15862 r
1 WHEREAS, The Sesquicentennial Celebration will include
2 Atlanta Cemetery walks with portrayers of city founder,
3 Richard Gill and five other key residents giving
4 presentations; therefore, be it
5 RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
6 NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
7 we do hereby congratulate the City of Atlanta on the occasion
8 of its Sesquicentennial Celebration; and be it further
9 RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
10 presented to the City of Atlanta as a token of our respect
11 and esteem and with best wishes for many more anniversary
12 celebrations.