By: Ratliff 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.