H.R. No. 499 R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, Nestled in the Piney Woods of East Texas, the twin 1-2 cities of Lufkin and Nacogdoches have long served as communities in 1-3 which all Texans can take great pride, for, by capitalizing on 1-4 their progressive citizenry and abundant natural resources, they 1-5 have become ideal communities in which to live and raise a family 1-6 or to visit for a relaxing vacation or weekend getaway; and 1-7 WHEREAS, One of the oldest communities in Texas, Nacogdoches 1-8 was founded in 1691 and figured prominently in the Texas 1-9 Revolution; today, with a thriving population of more than 33,000 1-10 residents, it is the county seat of Nacogdoches County; Lufkin, its 1-11 neighbor to the south, serves as the county seat of Angelina County 1-12 and, over the course of the past century, has become a leading 1-13 timber producer in the state and the home of more than 35,000 1-14 residents; and 1-15 WHEREAS, The two cities are surrounded by major lakes, 1-16 well-stocked rivers, and majestic national forests that unite to 1-17 form a recreational paradise that lures sightseers, campers, 1-18 hikers, hunters, and anglers alike from throughout the country who 1-19 are drawn to the area by its unparalleled natural beauty as well as 1-20 its plentiful recreational opportunities; and 1-21 WHEREAS, Fueled by a booming economy that derives much of its 1-22 success from the region's ample natural resources and agricultural 1-23 bounty, Lufkin and Nacogdoches also have formed a major 1-24 manufacturing corridor and enjoy a vibrant business climate that 2-1 contributes to the area's high standard of living; and 2-2 WHEREAS, In keeping with their rich heritage, these two 2-3 cities offer a wealth of historical and cultural attractions; 2-4 visitors to Nacogdoches can tour such noted sites as the Old Stone 2-5 Fort, the Adolphus Sterne home, and the Oak Grove Cemetery, or 2-6 stroll down the community's original brick streets while visiting 2-7 the modern Fredonia Convention Center and the Nacogdoches County 2-8 Exposition Center; and 2-9 WHEREAS, Equally compelling is the city of Lufkin, which 2-10 serves as the setting for the Pitser Garrison Civic Center and 2-11 Angelina County Exposition Center as well as such popular 2-12 attractions as the Ellen Trout Park and Zoo, the Museum of East 2-13 Texas, the state's second-ranked golf course, a downtown arts 2-14 district, and numerous city parks; and 2-15 WHEREAS, Twin-city residents take particular pride in the 2-16 educational offerings of Stephen F. Austin State University in 2-17 Nacogdoches and Angelina College in Lufkin, two of the region's 2-18 premier institutions of higher education; and 2-19 WHEREAS, The greatest asset of the twin cities is undoubtedly 2-20 their honest, industrious, and ethnically diverse population who 2-21 more than occasionally display trademark East Texas stubbornness 2-22 and who are renowned for their great generosity and friendliness; 2-23 and 2-24 WHEREAS, These two cities have long enjoyed a friendly 2-25 rivalry, though the "friendly" aspect of that rivalry is cast aside 2-26 one day each year when Lufkin High School and Nacogdoches High 2-27 School take to the field to vie for supremacy in the oldest 3-1 football rivalry in Texas; and 3-2 WHEREAS, The citizens of Lufkin and Nacogdoches have 3-3 successfully managed to combine within their communities the 3-4 vitality of urban life with the quaint charm of small town living; 3-5 in recent years, they have demonstrated their immense civic pride 3-6 by traveling to Austin to join with their elected officials and 3-7 chambers of commerce in a celebration of Lufkin-Nacogdoches Day at 3-8 the State Capitol, and it gives the members of this chamber great 3-9 pleasure to welcome them to Austin at this time; now, therefore, be 3-10 it 3-11 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas 3-12 Legislature hereby declare March 29, 1995, as Lufkin-Nacogdoches 3-13 Day at the State Capitol and commend the many fine citizens of 3-14 these two exceptional cities for their notable achievements; and, 3-15 be it further 3-16 RESOLVED, That official copies of this resolution be prepared 3-17 for prominent display in the cities of Lufkin and Nacogdoches as an 3-18 expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.