S.C.R. No. 15
                             SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
    1-1        WHEREAS, The Texas Legislature is proud to join with the
    1-2  citizens of Rusk County in a joyous celebration of Rusk County Day
    1-3  at the State Capitol on February 9 and 10, 1993; and
    1-4        WHEREAS, Instilled with an abiding appreciation for their
    1-5  rich heritage and tradition, the residents of Rusk County display a
    1-6  remarkable community spirit and a firm belief in their future; and
    1-7        WHEREAS, Dynamic, hardworking, and determined, the citizens
    1-8  of Rusk County are its greatest assets; and
    1-9        WHEREAS, An Act creating Rusk County from lands previously
   1-10  abandoned by the Cherokee Indians was passed on January 16, 1843;
   1-11  the county was named for General Thomas J. Rusk, early leader in
   1-12  the republic and state; and
   1-13        WHEREAS, That same year the county seat was established in
   1-14  the center of Rusk County and named in honor of the first governor
   1-15  of Texas, J. Pickney Henderson; and
   1-16        WHEREAS, Located in East Texas near the Louisiana border,
   1-17  Rusk County is older than the state itself and its early historical
   1-18  background includes stories of Indian raids, pioneering families,
   1-19  and the establishment of small towns; and
   1-20        WHEREAS, The rich sandy soil gave rise to cotton plantations
   1-21  that dominated the economy for nearly 100 years until the great
   1-22  East Texas Oil Field was discovered six miles west of Henderson in
   1-23  September, 1930; and
    2-1        WHEREAS, Today's diverse economy focuses on oil, gas, and
    2-2  lignite, agriculture and forestry, and light industry that have
    2-3  created tremendous economic growth for the area; and
    2-4        WHEREAS, Rusk County is blessed with historic areas, scenic
    2-5  pine and hardwood forests, recreational opportunities, an abundance
    2-6  of wildlife, and an excellent climate; and
    2-7        WHEREAS, Henderson is one of the most important highway
    2-8  centers in the East Texas region; the county seat is also served by
    2-9  the Union Pacific Railroad, the Rusk County Airport, and the Gregg
   2-10  County Airport; and
   2-11        WHEREAS, One of the county's treasures is Martin Creek Lake
   2-12  State Park located 15 miles outside of Henderson; it is a
   2-13  fisherman's and camper's delight with something for everyone who
   2-14  loves the outdoors, including swimming, skiing, and sailing; and
   2-15        WHEREAS, "The sweetest festival in Texas" is held in the
   2-16  autumn in Henderson when the Heritage Syrup Festival brings
   2-17  visitors from around the state to take part in the colorful event
   2-18  that features ribbon cane syrup making, folk arts, arts and crafts,
   2-19  and bluegrass music; and
   2-20        WHEREAS, The Henderson Main Street Project to restore and
   2-21  revitalize the historic downtown area has enjoyed tremendous
   2-22  success as a result of the interest and diligence of the people
   2-23  involved; and
   2-24        WHEREAS, Rusk County Day is an appropriate occasion for the
   2-25  Texas Legislature to recognize the important contributions that
    3-1  Rusk County and its citizens have made and continue to make to the
    3-2  state's greatness and to the growth and progress of their beautiful
    3-3  county; now, therefore, be it
    3-4        RESOLVED, That the 73rd Legislature of the State of Texas
    3-5  hereby recognize February 9 and 10, 1993, as Rusk County Day and
    3-6  extend best wishes to its residents for a most enjoyable and
    3-7  rewarding event; and, be it further
    3-8        RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to Rusk
    3-9  County as a memento of this important day and as an expression of
   3-10  the high regard of the Texas Senate.