S.R. No. 219 1-1 SENATE RESOLUTION 1-2 WHEREAS, On Wednesday, February 22, 1995, Matagorda County 1-3 Day will be celebrated by the proud citizens of Matagorda County 1-4 in recognition of their illustrious county and its contributions 1-5 to the State of Texas; and 1-6 WHEREAS, Situated along the Gulf of Mexico between Brazoria 1-7 and Calhoun counties, this lush area consists of more than 1,100 1-8 square miles, including Matagorda Bay, and the land is drained 1-9 by the Colorado River, Caney Creek, and Tres Palacios Creek; and 1-10 WHEREAS, Often called "The Cradle of Texas History," Matagorda 1-11 County was first settled by people brought in under the auspices 1-12 of Stephen F. Austin; agriculture was the primary source of income 1-13 and the main crops were cotton and sugarcane; after the Civil War 1-14 cattle ranching became the chief source of income since both the 1-15 war and the boll weevil destroyed cotton crops; and 1-16 WHEREAS, Railroad development became a major reason for the 1-17 growth of Matagorda County around 1898; Bay City was established 1-18 in 1894 and became the county seat; and 1-19 WHEREAS, According to the 1990 census, the total population 1-20 of Matagorda County is around 37,000; the modern-day economy is 1-21 based on agriculture, petrochemicals, nuclear power, plastics, 1-22 oil and gas, and oilfield services; and 1-23 WHEREAS, The recreational attractions of this area are 2-1 manifold; there are major parks and the Gulf of Mexico which 2-2 provide ample opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment; and 2-3 WHEREAS, There are many civic organizations which sponsor 2-4 annual events each year; among these events are the Matagorda 2-5 County Rodeo, Cinco de Mayo, Blessing of the Fleet, Bayfest, 2-6 Rice Festival, and Market Days; and 2-7 WHEREAS, Adding to the rich cultural heritage of the area 2-8 are two museums and many historical sites; and 2-9 WHEREAS, Among the chief assets of the county are its friendly 2-10 and hospitable citizenry; the residents of this area have made it 2-11 one of the outstanding areas of the state; and 2-12 WHEREAS, The many contributions of the residents of the county 2-13 to the State of Texas are truly worthy of legislative recognition 2-14 and praise; and 2-15 WHEREAS, It is indeed a pleasure and a privilege for the 2-16 Texas Senate to honor this outstanding Texas county and its fine 2-17 citizens; now, therefore, be it 2-18 RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 2-19 74th Legislature, hereby extend sincere congratulations to the 2-20 citizens of Matagorda County on its special day and offer best 2-21 wishes for a memorable and joyous celebration; and, be it further 2-22 RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 2-23 Matagorda County as a memento of this special day. 2-24 Armbrister 2-25 Barrientos Leedom Rosson 3-1 Bivins Lucio Shapiro 3-2 Brown Luna Sibley 3-3 Cain Madla Sims 3-4 Ellis Moncrief Truan 3-5 Gallegos Montford Turner 3-6 Galloway Nelson Wentworth 3-7 Harris Nixon West 3-8 Haywood Patterson Whitmire 3-9 Henderson Ratliff Zaffirini 3-10 Bullock, President of the Senate 3-11 ______________________________________ 3-12 President of the Senate 3-13 I hereby certify that the above 3-14 Resolution was adopted by the Senate 3-15 on February 15, 1995. 3-16 ______________________________________ 3-17 Secretary of the Senate 3-18 ______________________________________ 3-19 Member, Texas Senate