H.R. No. 352
                                  R E S O L U T I O N
    1-1        WHEREAS, On March 14, 1995, many proud residents of Rockwall
    1-2  County will travel to Austin to celebrate Rockwall County Day at
    1-3  the State Capitol; and
    1-4        WHEREAS, The state's smallest county at just over 148 square
    1-5  miles, Rockwall County was founded in 1873 by a group of pioneering
    1-6  Texans in Kaufman County who staked out their own community in its
    1-7  northwestern corner because of their isolation from the county
    1-8  seat; and
    1-9        WHEREAS, The county was named for an extensive system of
   1-10  subterranean walls that protrude above ground in rock outcroppings
   1-11  unique to the area; discovered by settlers drilling for water, the
   1-12  walls are thought by scientists to have been formed by the Balcones
   1-13  Fault, but continue to fuel speculation as to their real origin
   1-14  because of their unusual man-made appearance; and
   1-15        WHEREAS, Blessed with an abundant natural water supply and
   1-16  the fertile soil characteristic of the Blackland Prairie region,
   1-17  the county initially prospered as a thriving agricultural and
   1-18  ranching center and today enjoys a robust and diverse economy that
   1-19  offers distinct advantages to the business community as well, with
   1-20  its proximity to the Dallas metroplex area and its well-educated
   1-21  and industrious populace; and
   1-22        WHEREAS, Rockwall County has experienced phenomenal growth in
   1-23  recent years, nearly doubling its 1980 population, and is currently
   1-24  home to some 30,000 residents who have found this county an ideal
    2-1  place in which to live, work, and raise a family; and
    2-2        WHEREAS, Citizens of Rockwall County are justifiably proud of
    2-3  their innovative and award-winning schools, where students
    2-4  consistently outperform their peers in state and national
    2-5  standardized tests, win top honors in academic competitions, and go
    2-6  on to attend college in vast numbers; and
    2-7        WHEREAS, Recreational opportunities abound in this
    2-8  picturesque county and include superb golfing at top-notch area
    2-9  courses and unparalleled sailing at scenic Lake Ray Hubbard,
   2-10  considered one of the best inland sailing lakes in the country; the
   2-11  lake also is a popular destination for swimmers, fishermen, and
   2-12  those just wishing to relax along its waters aboard the charming
   2-13  paddle wheel boat, the Texas Queen, as participants in one of its
   2-14  popular dinner cruises; and
   2-15        WHEREAS, Visitors and residents alike are treated to a wealth
   2-16  of cultural opportunities as well, including the Rockwall County
   2-17  Historical Museum, an art gallery featuring the work of local and
   2-18  regional artists, the Hubbard Chamber Music Series, and other
   2-19  musical performances by the local Lakeside Singers; and
   2-20        WHEREAS, Proof positive that good things do come in small
   2-21  packages, Rockwall County has indeed played a vital role in the
   2-22  development of the Lone Star State, and it is a great pleasure to
   2-23  join with our fellow Texans in saluting this exemplary county and
   2-24  its citizens at this time; now, therefore, be it
   2-25        RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas
   2-26  Legislature hereby declare Tuesday, March 14, 1995, as Rockwall
   2-27  County Day at the State Capitol and extend best wishes to all of
    3-1  its citizens on this special occasion.