STATEHOUSE (March 21, 2013) — Today, State Sen. Jean Leising (R-Oldenburg) led the Senate in honoring the City of Connersville for its 200^th birthday with Senate Concurrent Resolution 36.

Connersville — originally just 62 lots of land — was founded by John Conner on March 4, 1813. Now, more than 13,000 residents inhabit the city, which stretches nearly eight square miles and serves as the county seat of Fayette County.

Leising said it’s only fitting that Connersville be honored with a resolution at Indiana’s Capitol as the city will continue to be a Hoosier asset in years to come.

“Connersville may not be Indiana’s largest city, but was known for many years as ‘Little Detroit,’” Leising said. “It was the home of Rex Buggy, which became Philco and then Ford and Visteon. Many people don’t know the first high school band in the U.S. was established at Connersville High School — or that the city was home to a member of Abraham Lincoln’s cabinet. Connersville has also produced two single-class basketball championship teams — one in 1972 and again in 1983.  I’m blessed to represent Connersville and its hard-working, innovative residents. There’s no doubt in my mind that there are more great things in store for this city.”

Connersville Mayor Leonard Urban attended the Senate ceremony, accepting SCR 36 on the city’s behalf.

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