H.C.R. No. 63 HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 1-1 WHEREAS, On February 23, 1995, the Texas Legislature will 1-2 join with the residents of Panola County in paying tribute to one 1-3 of our state's finest areas and its breathtaking scenery, bountiful 1-4 natural resources, and hardworking citizenry; and 1-5 WHEREAS, From 1690 to 1840, this picturesque county was the 1-6 site of countless land disputes and was at one time or another 1-7 claimed by France, Spain, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, and the 1-8 United States of America; and 1-9 WHEREAS, Created out of Shelby and Harrison counties in 1846, 1-10 Panola County derived its unique name from ponolo, the local Indian 1-11 word for cotton; and 1-12 WHEREAS, Bordered on the east by Louisiana, Panola County is 1-13 traversed by the meandering Sabine River, which follows its path 1-14 along the gently rolling plains and fertile lands of this charming 1-15 county; and 1-16 WHEREAS, Blessed with unparalleled natural diversity, the 1-17 county also is covered with dense forests of pine, oak, ash, maple, 1-18 and countless hardwood varieties, which have allowed the area to 1-19 become a leading producer of timber and wood products; and 1-20 WHEREAS, Today this area enjoys a prosperous economy based on 1-21 the production and processing of oil and natural gas; in addition, 1-22 Panola County farmers have found success raising cattle and hogs 1-23 for an expanding international marketplace, and the county is one 1-24 of the top poultry producers in the state; and 2-1 WHEREAS, A fisherman's paradise, Lake Murvaul provides 2-2 residents and visitors alike with a superb angling experience, and 2-3 Panola County's many parks are favorite destinations for tourists 2-4 in search of relaxation or exciting water sport activities; and 2-5 WHEREAS, The residents of Panola County are justifiably proud 2-6 of their fine community and the qualities that make it a wonderful 2-7 place in which to live, work, and raise a family, and it is indeed 2-8 a great pleasure to unite with our fellow Texans in saluting this 2-9 outstanding Texas county; now, therefore, be it 2-10 RESOLVED, That the 74th Legislature of the State of Texas 2-11 hereby designate February 23, 1995, as Panola County Day at the 2-12 State Capitol and extend a warm welcome to the citizens of this 2-13 exceptional county who have journeyed to the Capitol in observance 2-14 of this special occasion; and, be it further 2-15 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-16 prepared for Panola County as an expression of high regard by the 2-17 Legislature of the State of Texas.