By Ramsay                                            H.C.R. No. 197
       74R12320 KMP-D
                              HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
    1-1        WHEREAS, On May 11, 1995, the Texas House of Representatives
    1-2  and Senate will join with the residents of Wood County in paying
    1-3  tribute to this charming area and in recognizing the many cultural,
    1-4  historical, and economic contributions its citizens have made to
    1-5  the Lone Star State; and
    1-6        WHEREAS, Created from Van Zandt County and officially
    1-7  organized in 1850, Wood County was named in honor of Governor
    1-8  George T. Wood, an esteemed member of the Congress of the Republic
    1-9  of Texas who organized and commanded the Texas Mounted Volunteers
   1-10  before being sworn in as the second governor of the State of Texas
   1-11  in 1847; and
   1-12        WHEREAS, Ideally situated amid the gently rolling hills,
   1-13  sandy plains, and lush forests of northeast Texas, Wood County was
   1-14  originally settled by member tribes of one of the South's greatest
   1-15  Indian civilizations, the Caddo Confederacy, and during the 19th
   1-16  century was a popular destination for pioneer families in search of
   1-17  a brighter and more prosperous future; and
   1-18        WHEREAS, Today, Wood County's natural beauty continues to
   1-19  attract people from throughout the state and nation as it enjoys a
   1-20  booming tourist industry; generations of Texans have journeyed to
   1-21  this scenic area to take in the charms of Lake Bob Sandlin, Lake
   1-22  Fork Reservoir, and more than 50 other public and private lakes and
   1-23  to fish in these abundant waters, which teem with bass, bream,
   1-24  catfish, and crappie; and
    2-1        WHEREAS, Home to many historic buildings and the Governor
    2-2  Hogg Shrine State Park and Museum, Wood County delights visitors
    2-3  and residents alike with the numerous cultural events and festivals
    2-4  scheduled throughout the year such as the Old Settlers' Reunion,
    2-5  Alba County Fair, Quitman Dogwood Fiesta, and Spring Trails and
    2-6  Autumn Trails festivals; the area also pays homage each year to its
    2-7  agricultural and industrial heritage with its Oil Festival, Mineola
    2-8  May Days Bean Festival, Iron Horse Heritage Festival, and Golden
    2-9  Sweet Potato Festival, a unique celebration of Wood County's status
   2-10  as the top sweet potato producer in the State of Texas; and
   2-11        WHEREAS, The county's hardworking citizens can take special
   2-12  pride in the prosperous and diverse economy they have created; a
   2-13  leading producer of oil, natural gas, and minerals, the area has
   2-14  seen strong growth in the agribusiness sector as well, and today
   2-15  Wood County farmers provide a significant portion of our state's
   2-16  sweet potatoes, dairy products, broilers and poultry products, hay,
   2-17  corn, and watermelons; and
   2-18        WHEREAS, Blessed with a rich heritage, abundant natural
   2-19  resources, and a dynamic citizenry, Wood County is truly one of the
   2-20  Lone Star State's most illustrious counties, and the efforts of its
   2-21  dedicated residents indeed merit special recognition and praise;
   2-22  now, therefore, be it
   2-23        RESOLVED, That the 74th Legislature of the State of Texas
   2-24  hereby recognize May 11, 1995, as Wood County Day at the State
   2-25  Capitol and extend warmest best wishes to the citizens of this fine
   2-26  county for a happy and enjoyable celebration; and, be it further
   2-27        RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
    3-1  prepared for Wood County as a commemoration of this grand occasion
    3-2  and as an expression of high regard by the Legislature of the State
    3-3  of Texas.