H.R. No. 350 R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The city of Jacksonville enjoys a reputation as one 1-2 of the most vibrant and progressive communities in the rich 1-3 agricultural and commercial region of East Texas; and 1-4 WHEREAS, Located in the heart of the Piney Woods, 1-5 Jacksonville was originally settled more than 145 years ago as a 1-6 post office community and with the advent of the 1-7 International-Great Northern Railroad in 1872, citizens flocked to 1-8 make their home in this desirable locale; and 1-9 WHEREAS, Its prime location led the community to become an 1-10 important shipping point for fruit and vegetables, and it once was 1-11 known as the "Tomato Capital of the World"; while retaining its 1-12 agricultural-based economy, Jacksonville now reaps the benefits of 1-13 broadened economic development and is home to more than 70 growing 1-14 and diversified industries; and 1-15 WHEREAS, The community also is doubly proud to host two 1-16 outstanding institutions of higher education, Lon Morris College 1-17 and Jacksonville Baptist College; and 1-18 WHEREAS, Jacksonville draws many visitors who come to enjoy 1-19 its wide array of natural and cultural resources; Lakes 1-20 Jacksonville, Palestine, and Striker provide sports enthusiasts 1-21 with a variety of recreational opportunities, while others flock to 1-22 Love's Lookout Park and the area's many scenic drives, which offer 1-23 breathtaking views of the region's magnificent scenery; and 1-24 WHEREAS, The community's many festivals, including the Spring 2-1 Fiesta and the Tomato Fest, help impart a sense of the town's rich 2-2 and vibrant past, while the extremely popular Tops in Texas Rodeo, 2-3 which is held in conjunction with the town's Western Week 2-4 celebration, provides many hours of entertainment as well; and 2-5 WHEREAS, Blessed with a rich heritage, abundant natural 2-6 resources, and a dynamic citizenry, Jacksonville successfully 2-7 combines the energy of a thriving city with the charm and 2-8 friendliness of a small town; the many exceptional qualities of 2-9 this unique Texas community indeed merit our highest praise and 2-10 recognition; now, therefore, be it 2-11 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas 2-12 Legislature hereby designate March 30, 1995, as Jacksonville Day at 2-13 the Capitol and extend warmest best wishes to all of its citizens 2-14 on this noteworthy occasion; and, be it further 2-15 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-16 prepared for the people of Jacksonville as an expression of high 2-17 regard by the Texas House of Representatives.