Omochichi United States Courthouse

OMOCHICHI UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE -- (House of Representatives - May 11, 2004)

Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2523) to designate the United States courthouse located at 125 Bull Street in Savannah, Georgia, as the "Tomochichi United States Courthouse".

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Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

H.R. 2523 is a bill to designate the U.S. courthouse located at 125 Bull Street, Savannah, Georgia, as the Tomochichi United States Courthouse. The bill was introduced by the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Burns).

In 1650, Chief Tomochichi was born in the small village of Coweta along the Chattahoochee River to the Creek Indian tribe. While he was the chief of the Yamacraw Indians he became a friend of James Oglethorpe, the English settler and leader of the settlers of the fledgling colony in Georgia. He supported Oglethorpe's plan for a new English colony in Georgia to be called Savannah.

Tomochichi was a great warrior, possessing both good judgment and wisdom. As repayment for his sound advice and trusted friendship, Oglethorpe took Tomochichi, his wife, his nephew. And other Indian chiefs to England for 4 months. When Tomochichi died in 1736, Oglethorpe was one of his pallbearers. He is buried in Wright Square, the site of the courthouse to be named in his honor. Tomochichi's actions helped ensure the successful settlement of Georgia and earned him a place in Georgian history. His hospitality is legendary even today. It is most fitting his contributions to American history are honored by this designation.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.