HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

 1-1           WHEREAS, On January 29, 1997, many proud residents of the

 1-2     Northeast Texas town of Jefferson will be in Austin to celebrate

 1-3     the first-ever Jefferson Day at the State Capitol; and

 1-4           WHEREAS, Located along Big Cypress Creek in Marion County,

 1-5     Jefferson is one of Texas' most historic towns, achieving early

 1-6     prominence as the region's major river port of entry; the rich

 1-7     timberland surrounding the area soon attracted the lumber industry,

 1-8     and the discovery of iron ore nearby gave rise to a smelting and

 1-9     metalworking industry as well; and

1-10           WHEREAS, Jefferson's residents are heirs to a colorful

1-11     history in which they take great pride and pleasure, and these

1-12     attributes are evident from the many charming stores, historical

1-13     attractions, and antique shops that enliven the town's streets;

1-14     many of Jefferson's most beautiful homes are opened to the public

1-15     each May and December during the annual Pilgrimage Home Tours and

1-16     Candlelight Tour of Homes, and visitors may further delve into the

1-17     area's past at the Jefferson Historical Society Museum, the Jay

1-18     Gould Private Railroad Car, and the town's Carnegie Library, one of

1-19     the few such libraries still serving its intended purpose; and

1-20           WHEREAS, Nestled in the lush forested hills of East Texas,

1-21     Jefferson is also a prime destination for tourists looking to enjoy

1-22     the great outdoors; the unspoiled beauty of Caddo Lake and Lake O'

1-23     the Pines offers fishing enthusiasts an opportunity to pursue

1-24     record-sized bass and other species in two of the state's most

 2-1     spectacular natural settings, and the Turning Basin River Boat Tour

 2-2     and the Woodlands Trail provide a guided look at the scenery and

 2-3     wildlife of Marion County; and

 2-4           WHEREAS, The spirit of true Southern hospitality lives on in

 2-5     Jefferson today, and visitors to the area flock to the city's many

 2-6     charming bed and breakfast accommodations; with more than 40 such

 2-7     inns in operation, Jefferson has more of these quaint

 2-8     establishments per capita than any other city in the Lone Star

 2-9     State, and it has rightfully earned the title of Bed and Breakfast

2-10     Capital of Texas; and

2-11           WHEREAS, While the residents of Jefferson look back with

2-12     justifiable satisfaction on their community's remarkable history

2-13     and development, they eagerly look forward to the challenges and

2-14     opportunities of the future, a future that looks bright indeed for

2-15     this noteworthy Texas town; now, therefore, be it

2-16           RESOLVED, That the 75th Legislature of the State of Texas

2-17     hereby recognize January 29, 1997, as Jefferson Day at the State

2-18     Capitol and extend to its citizens sincere best wishes for a

2-19     memorable visit to Austin.

                                                                      Ramsay

         _______________________________     _______________________________

             President of the Senate              Speaker of the House

               I certify that H.C.R. No. 52 was adopted by the House on

         February 20, 1997, by a non-record vote.

                                             _______________________________

                                                 Chief Clerk of the House

               I certify that H.C.R. No. 52 was adopted by the Senate on

         February 24, 1997, by a viva-voce vote.

                                             _______________________________

                                                 Secretary of the Senate

         APPROVED:  _____________________

                            Date

                    _____________________

                          Governor