By: Uher H.R. No. 646
73R9652 BNL-D
R E S O L U T I O N
1-1 WHEREAS, Many proud residents of Matagorda County will travel
1-2 to Austin on May 4, 1993, to celebrate Matagorda County Day at the
1-3 State Capitol; and
1-4 WHEREAS, Matagorda County's colorful history dates back to
1-5 the early days of Texas, when the rich, fertile land between the
1-6 Colorado and Brazos rivers was included in Moses Austin's original
1-7 land grant in 1820; after his death, Moses' son Stephen F. Austin
1-8 continued his father's plans of establishing a settlement in this
1-9 beautiful region along the Gulf Coast; and
1-10 WHEREAS, Blessed with fertile soil, ample rainfall, and a
1-11 mild climate, Matagorda County attracted hundreds of settlers eager
1-12 to tame this new frontier; the wide open prairies offered plenty of
1-13 land for farming and ranching, while the hardwood forests bordering
1-14 the region's waterways provided pioneer families with an abundant
1-15 supply of wood for building and for fuel; and
1-16 WHEREAS, Cotton and sugar quickly became the dominant crops,
1-17 but in later years the county expanded its agricultural economy to
1-18 include rice, corn, soy beans, milo, and other grains; and
1-19 WHEREAS, Settlers flocked to this thriving new community, and
1-20 Stephen F. Austin's vision of a prosperous and successful Texas
1-21 settlement became a reality; beginning in 1898, the railroad system
1-22 expanded throughout the region, bringing supplies and more settlers
1-23 to the Gulf Coast and spurring a dynamic period of growth and
1-24 development as enterprising individuals founded cities such as
2-1 Palacios, Blessing, Markham, Van Vleck, and Wadsworth along the new
2-2 rail lines; and
2-3 WHEREAS, Since that time, a diverse economy encompassing
2-4 petrochemicals, plastics, and oil and gas, as well as agriculture,
2-5 has sustained the growth of this outstanding county, which
2-6 currently boasts a population of nearly 37,000 people; despite this
2-7 economic growth, Matagorda County has retained its charm and grace,
2-8 and many tourists flock to this area each year to enjoy its wide
2-9 variety of recreational activities; and
2-10 WHEREAS, This picturesque seaside community offers numerous
2-11 opportunities for boating, sailing, fishing, and water skiing,
2-12 while cities such as Palacios and Bay City provide a variety of
2-13 other entertainment options, including a golf course, museums, a
2-14 convention center, a sports complex, and numerous points of
2-15 historical interest; and
2-16 WHEREAS, Throughout the year, visitors and residents alike
2-17 are treated to a vast array of festivals and celebrations, thanks
2-18 to the dedicated efforts of the county's many fine civic
2-19 organizations; the Matagorda County Rodeo, Cinco de Mayo,
2-20 Shrimporee and Blessing of the Fleet, Bayfest, the Rice Festival,
2-21 and Market Days have become renowned throughout the Lone Star State
2-22 for the fun and fellowship they provide, and the fine people of
2-23 Matagorda County deserve much praise for making each of these
2-24 events memorable and special; and
2-25 WHEREAS, The residents of Matagorda County can take
2-26 justifiable pride in their community's heritage and should look
2-27 forward to the future with great anticipation; this unique county
3-1 and its exceptional citizens have played a significant role in
3-2 Texas' development, and their many contributions to the Lone Star
3-3 State are truly deserving of a special legislative salute; now,
3-4 therefore, be it
3-5 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 73rd Texas
3-6 Legislature hereby recognize May 4, 1993, as Matagorda County Day
3-7 at the Capitol and join the citizens of Matagorda County in paying
3-8 tribute to one of Texas' finest counties; and, be it further
3-9 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
3-10 prepared for the people of Matagorda County as a commemoration of
3-11 this grand occasion and as an expression of high regard by the
3-12 Texas House of Representatives.