By Ramsay H.C.R. No. 52 75R5128 BNL-D 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.