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September 25, 2007
U.S. Senate to hear testimony on bill to make home of Alexander Hamilton and other sites part of National Park Service The U.S. Senate Energy Committee’s National Park Subcommittee will conduct a hearing on S. 1969; a bill to study the suitability and feasibility of designating Estate Grange and other sites related to the childhood of Alexander Hamilton as units of the National Park Service. Introduced by Senator Orrin Hatch, (R-UT); the bipartisan co-sponsors include Senator John Rockefeller, (D- WV); Senator Tom Harkin, (D- IA); Senator Mike Crapo, (R-ID); Senator Evan Bayh, (D-IN); Senator Bill Nelson, and Sam Brownback. "Senator Hatch and each of these Senators have visited the territory and seen first-hand where Alexander Hamilton lived and worked," said Governor John deJongh, Jr. on Tuesday. The hearing is occurring only six weeks after Senator Hatch introduced the bill. "This legislation is moving fast through the U.S. Senate, with the bi-partisan support of prominent Senators, because this is an idea whose time has come," deJongh said. This legislation highlights the important historic link between the Virgin Islands and one of America’s most important Founding Fathers. "Alexander Hamilton is the architect of the American financial system, the founder of the Customs Service and the Coast Guard. He established his financial acumen and his writing skills while living on St. Croix. Hamilton established his anti-slavery views as a result of his experience on St. Croix. His vision of America as a manufacturing and trading center, rather than only an agrarian nation, was formed through his experiences as a trader in Christiansted harbor. Estate Grange, where his mother is buried, should be transformed into a national center for the study of Alexander Hamilton, the triangle trade, and the American revolution," deJongh noted. deJongh said he is especially grateful to Senator Hatch for his leadership in the Senate. "The Senator has been a reliable ally on a number of important issues, including being a key advocate for our economic and social programs. My administration will work closely with the National Park Service to develop Estate Grange and other associated sites on St. Croix." The governor envisions hundreds of thousands of residents and tourists visiting the Alexander Hamilton sites each year, with additional facilities including a library, museum and conference center. "I look forward to working with Delegate Donna Christensen on developing companion legislation in the House." deJongh has provided written testimony in support of the bill. |
