H.R. No. 198
                                  R E S O L U T I O N
    1-1        WHEREAS, On March 8, 1995, the Texas House of Representatives
    1-2  will join with the residents of Fort Bend County in paying tribute
    1-3  to one of the state's most illustrious counties and in recognizing
    1-4  its many exceptional contributions to the rich heritage and diverse
    1-5  economy of the State of Texas; and
    1-6        WHEREAS, Originally a part of Stephen F. Austin's first
    1-7  colony, Fort Bend County was created in 1837 with the city of
    1-8  Richmond as its county seat; the county was named in honor of the
    1-9  old Fort Bend, a frontier outpost established on a bend of the
   1-10  Brazos River in 1821; and
   1-11        WHEREAS, Fort Bend County has long played a significant role
   1-12  in the history of Texas and the United States; it was the site of
   1-13  Carrie Nation's first crusade for prohibition; Richmond is also the
   1-14  burial place of such notable Texans as president Mirabeau B. Lamar
   1-15  and military hero Erastus "Deaf" Smith; and
   1-16        WHEREAS, With its wealth of cultural, recreational, and
   1-17  natural resources, Fort Bend County is a favorite of visitors from
   1-18  around the state and nation, many of whom come to see the Brazos
   1-19  Bend State Park and the George Ranch Historical Park; the area is
   1-20  also known as the site of the George Observatory, one of the
   1-21  largest and most powerful observatories open to the public, and the
   1-22  Challenger Center, an educational facility devoted to preserving
   1-23  the legacy of the crew members aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger;
   1-24  and
    2-1        WHEREAS, Home to more than 250,000 Texans, Fort Bend County
    2-2  is one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States and
    2-3  remains among the best counties in which to raise a family; a
    2-4  leader in this state's economic resurgence, Fort Bend County is
    2-5  firmly dedicated to preserving its unique natural and historical
    2-6  heritage for future generations of Texans; and
    2-7        WHEREAS, In light of these many fine qualities that have made
    2-8  Fort Bend County an ideal place in which to work, play, and raise a
    2-9  family, it is indeed fitting that this area be given special
   2-10  legislative recognition; now, therefore, be it
   2-11        RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas
   2-12  Legislature hereby designate March 8, 1995, as Fort Bend County Day
   2-13  at the State Capitol and commend the citizens of this remarkable
   2-14  county for their many fine contributions; and, be it further
   2-15        RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
   2-16  prepared for Fort Bend County as an expression of high esteem by
   2-17  the Texas House of Representatives.