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.