By Sadler                                             H.C.R. No. 63
       74R4593 KMP-D
                                 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.