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.