By McCoulskey H.R. No. 198 74R5701 SRD-F 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.