By: Parra H.R. No. 623 73R9363 LBD-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The city of Socorro, one of the oldest communities 1-2 in the state, will celebrate its 122nd anniversary on April 26, 1-3 1993; and 1-4 WHEREAS, Originally part of a Spanish land grant, the region 1-5 was first settled by descendants of the conquistadores who 1-6 traversed the area in 1598; having founded a mission named La 1-7 Purisima Concepcion de Socorro in 1691, early settlers of the area 1-8 helped to establish a chain of missions along the Rio Grande 1-9 extending from Santa Fe, New Mexico, to the Gulf of Mexico; and 1-10 WHEREAS, Key elements in the development of these remote 1-11 regions of the state, the missions served as the centers of 1-12 cultural, economic, and religious activity throughout the region, 1-13 and ranching and farming communities gradually developed in the 1-14 surrounding areas; and 1-15 WHEREAS, Socorro became a part of the Republic of Texas in 1-16 1835, and the town was incorporated by an act of the 12th 1-17 Legislature of the State of Texas in 1871; since that time, the 1-18 citizens of this small yet dynamic municipality have worked 1-19 diligently to encourage the community's increasing growth and 1-20 prosperity; and 1-21 WHEREAS, The present town council, under the able leadership 1-22 of Mayor Rogelio Lozoya, is making great strides in encouraging 1-23 greater progress and economic vitality for the community by 1-24 acquiring funding for affordable housing, improved water and sewer 2-1 services, and increased employment opportunities; and 2-2 WHEREAS, Though the original La Purisima Concepcion de 2-3 Socorro mission was destroyed by flooding in the 1740s and again in 2-4 1828, the present structure, which was rebuilt in 1843, stands 2-5 today as a symbol of the strong spirit of conviction, sacrifice, 2-6 and cooperation that has carried this town through more than a 2-7 century of development, and Texans everywhere can take pride in the 2-8 ongoing accomplishments of the citizens of this fine community; 2-9 now, therefore, be it 2-10 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 73rd Texas 2-11 Legislature hereby honor the city of Socorro on the occasion of its 2-12 122nd anniversary and join its citizens in paying tribute to one of 2-13 Texas' most historic communities; and, be it further 2-14 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-15 prepared for the city of Socorro as an expression of high regard by 2-16 the Texas House of Representatives.