By:  Tallas                                            H.R. No. 333
       73R4992 PFG-F
                                  R E S O L U T I O N
    1-1        WHEREAS, Fort Bend County enjoys a reputation as one of our
    1-2  state's most historic counties; and
    1-3        WHEREAS, Originally a part of Austin County, Fort Bend County
    1-4  was created in 1837 with Richmond as its county seat; the county
    1-5  was named for old Fort Bend, a frontier outpost established in the
    1-6  bend of the Brazos River in 1821; and
    1-7        WHEREAS, Located in southeast Texas, the county has a rich
    1-8  and varied history, which includes serving as the scene of the
    1-9  infamous Jaybird-Woodpecker War, a feud between rival political
   1-10  factions for control of the county that lasted from 1888 to 1890;
   1-11  and
   1-12        WHEREAS, In the heart of Fort Bend County, Richmond was the
   1-13  site where noted activist Carrie Nation began her crusade against
   1-14  "demon rum" and is also the burial place for two illustrious
   1-15  Texans:  Jane Long, who is known as the "Mother of Texas," and
   1-16  Mirabeau B. Lamar, third president of the Republic of Texas, who is
   1-17  known as the "Father of Education" in our state; and
   1-18        WHEREAS, Other historic sites in the county include the
   1-19  Confederate Museum, Decker Park, the Fort Bend County Historical
   1-20  Museum, the Moore Home, and the silver-domed Fort Bend County
   1-21  courthouse, which dates from the early part of the century; and
   1-22        WHEREAS, Fort Bend County draws many visitors who come to
   1-23  enjoy its cultural and natural resources; popular attractions
   1-24  include the 4,897-acre Brazos Bend State Park, which offers an
    2-1  abundance of recreational opportunities, and the George Ranch
    2-2  Historical Park, a 470-acre working ranch within driving distance
    2-3  of Houston; and
    2-4        WHEREAS, Taking great pride in the cultural heritage of its
    2-5  residents, the county also hosts such popular events as Texas'
    2-6  largest Czech festival, which is held the first full weekend in
    2-7  May, and the county fair, held each October; and
    2-8        WHEREAS, A prosperous, forward-looking community as well,
    2-9  Fort Bend County is located in the Houston metropolitan area and
   2-10  enjoys a thriving economy based on agriculture, petrochemicals,
   2-11  sulfur, and sugar refining; and
   2-12        WHEREAS, Institutions such as the Richmond State School for
   2-13  the Mentally Retarded and the Fort Bend County Prison, along with
   2-14  the Sugar Land Sugar Refinery, also contribute to the area's
   2-15  economic development; and
   2-16        WHEREAS, It is indeed appropriate that the Texas House of
   2-17  Representatives recognize Fort Bend County and its citizens for
   2-18  their many accomplishments and contributions to the greatness of
   2-19  our state; now, therefore, be it
   2-20        RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 73rd Texas
   2-21  Legislature hereby declare Wednesday, March 10, 1993, Fort Bend
   2-22  County Day at the Capitol and extend best wishes to all its
   2-23  citizens on this noteworthy occasion; and, be it further
   2-24        RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
   2-25  prepared for Fort Bend County as an expression of high regard by
   2-26  the Texas House of Representatives.