WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressmen Darin LaHood (R-IL) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) introduced H.R.6904 yesterday to designate an area within the River Terrace Area of Anacostia Park in Washington, D.C. as the “Illinois Bicentennial Grove,” where four White Oak trees have been planted this week. As the state tree of Illinois, these trees have been planted in honor of four prominent abolitionists from the Land of Lincoln—Edward Coles, Mary Brown Davis, and Elijah and Owen Lovejoy. The legislation allows for additional trees to be planted in the Bicentennial Grove.
“As we continue to recognize our state’s bicentennial, I am happy to work with my friend and co-chair of the Illinois State Society, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, to designate a portion of Anacostia Park in honor of Illinois’ 200th anniversary. This grove will serve as a distinct reminder of the rich history that our home state holds over the past two centuries,” stated Rep. LaHood.
“I’m grateful to have the opportunity to work with Congressman Darin LaHood to honor our state’s bicentennial through designating ‘Illinois Bicentennial Grove.’ This grove and its four White Oaks will stand as a testament to the strength and endurance of Illinois,” stated Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi.
Jerry Weller added, “As President of the Illinois State Society, Illinois’ rich history deserves national recognition in any opportunity. This LaHood-Krishnamoorthi legislation notes four key abolitionists whose leadership helped champion the abolition of slavery. Illinois has contributed so much to our nation and the work of Abraham Lincoln continues.”
Reps. LaHood and Krishnamoorthi serve as Illinois State Society co-chairs and have worked closely with the National Park Service on this initiative. The legislation is cosponsored by the entire Illinois delegation.
Earlier this month, Reps. LaHood and Krishnamoorthi introduced legislation to celebrate Illinois’ Bicentennial that will cement Abraham Lincoln’s legacy in the U.S. Capitol. You can read more about it here.
