S.Res. 206Senate115th Congress (2017-2019)In Committee

A resolution urging the Secretary of the Interior to recognize the cultural significance of Rib Mountain by adding it to the National Register of Historic Places.

Introduced June 28, 2017

AI-Generated Summary

Updated April 15, 2026 at 4:42 PM UTC

The Senate resolution asks the Secretary of the Interior to officially recognize Rib Mountain in Wisconsin as a historic place because of its cultural ties to the Paul Bunyan legend and its recreational importance. It aims to have the mountain listed on the National Register of Historic Places, highlighting its significance to the state’s heritage and tourism.

Key Provisions

  • Affirms that Rib Mountain is important to Wisconsin’s culture and economy.
  • Recognizes the Paul Bunyan legend associated with the mountain as a symbol of frontier spirit.
  • Requests that the Secretary of the Interior add Rib Mountain to the National Register of Historic Places.

Legislative Activity

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SenateIntro Referral Latest Action

Referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (text of measure as introduced: CR S3834)

June 28, 2017

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SenateIntro Referral

Introduced in Senate

June 28, 2017

SenateIntro Referral

Referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (text of measure as introduced: CR S3834)

June 28, 2017

Bill Text

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Introduced in SenateIssued June 28, 2017

III

115th CONGRESS

1st Session

S. RES. 206

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

June 28, 2017

Mr. Johnson submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

RESOLUTION

Urging the Secretary of the Interior to recognize the cultural significance of Rib Mountain by adding it to the National Register of Historic Places.

Whereas Paul Bunyan is a larger-than-life folk hero who embodies the frontier spirit, might, the willingness to work hard, and the resolve to overcome all obstacles;

Whereas reliable documentation establishes that the earliest story about Paul Bunyan was told north of Tomahawk, Wisconsin;

Whereas this evidence suggests that Wisconsin’s claim that it is the birthplace of Paul Bunyan is superior to claims from other States;

Whereas Paul Bunyan has been the subject of countless literary compositions, musical pieces, commercial works, and theatrical productions;

Whereas local legend states that the ribs in Rib Mountain, Wisconsin, denote that the mountain is the burial site of Paul Bunyan;

Whereas Rib Mountain is nearly 4 miles long and peaks at 1,924 feet above sea level and 670 feet above the local terrain, making it the highest natural feature in North Central Wisconsin and one of the highest points in the entire State of Wisconsin;

Whereas Rib Mountain is home to the Granite Peak Ski Area, one of the first ski areas in North America, where thousands of visitors come annually to ski or snowboard;

Whereas Rib Mountain State Park, situated on Rib Mountain, is over 1,500 acres and boasts a well-maintained network of hiking and nature trails with breathtaking views; and

Whereas Rib Mountain State Park attracts visitors from the local community as well as from across the State and the country: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate—

(1)

affirms the importance of Rib Mountain to the culture and economy of Wisconsin;

(2)

recognizes the legend of Paul Bunyan as the embodiment of the frontier spirit; and

(3)

requests that the Secretary of the Interior recognize the legendary burial site of Paul Bunyan by adding Rib Mountain to the National Register of Historic Places.