Sam Gibbons: “Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2129, introduced by the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank), would direct the Secretary of the…”

“Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2129, introduced by the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank), would direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resources study regarding the suitability and feasibility of designating certain historic buildings and areas in Taunton, Massachusetts, as a unit of the National Park System, and for other purposes. The city of Taunton, Massachusetts, is home to nine distinct historic districts, with more than 600 properties on the National Register of Historic Places. Included among these districts is the Taunton Green Historic District, the site where the Sons of Liberty first raised the Liberty and Union Flag in 1774, an event that helped to spark a popular movement culminating in the American Revolution. Taunton was also a leading community in the industrial revolution, and its industrial area has been the site of many innovations in silver manufacture, paper manufacture, and shipbuilding. Main Street, which connects many of the historic districts, is the home of the Taunton City Hall and the Leonard Block building, two outstanding examples of early 19th century American architecture, as well as many other historical and architecturally significant structures.”