Recognizing the Smallest City in the United States of America

Floor Speech

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Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the smallest city in the United States of America: the city of Parker in Armstrong County. Nestled in the beautiful Allegheny River Valley, Parker City is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.

What started as a village with nearly 1,000 people grew almost overnight to become a booming oil metropolis with a population of more than 20,000 in the late 1800s.

For the next 10 years, Parker became a place of great activity with more than 1,000 oil wells, saloons, stores, hotels, and machine shops.

While the oil boom was short-lived, the spirit of Parker was strong. By the 1890s, the population of Parker was back to nearly 1,000.

Madam Speaker, today Parker is a great retreat for those wanting to enjoy the quiet river setting as a peaceful escape from urban life. The population stands at about 900 people, making it the smallest city in the USA.

Parker is celebrating 150 years as a city on July 15. They will have fireworks, parades, local vendors, and a river float.

Madam Speaker, if you ever find yourself in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains along the banks of the Allegheny River, I encourage you to visit Parker.

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