By Jones of Lubbock, Wise, Isett                     H.C.R. No. 228

         75R12782 JTR-D                           

                             HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

 1-1           WHEREAS, The Lone Star State is world renowned for the

 1-2     abundance, variety, and excellence of its agricultural output, and

 1-3     throughout the state's history cotton has been a mainstay of the

 1-4     Texas economy and culture; and

 1-5           WHEREAS, The state's largest cash crop, cotton is planted on

 1-6     more acres than any other agricultural product in Texas, and the

 1-7     preeminence of the United States in world cotton production is due

 1-8     largely to the quantity produced within the state's borders; the

 1-9     magnitude of this contribution is reflected in the fact that, if

1-10     Texas were an independent country, it would rank sixth among the

1-11     world's cotton producers; and

1-12           WHEREAS, Through the years, cotton has become closely

1-13     identified with Texas in the popular mind; countless works of art,

1-14     music, literature, and history have reaffirmed the importance of

1-15     cotton to the development of the state, and the tradition of Texas

1-16     producing the nation's first bale of cotton each year aptly

1-17     symbolizes this deep connection; and

1-18           WHEREAS, Cotton is deservedly one of the world's most popular

1-19     fabrics, combining durability, versatility, and remarkable comfort;

1-20     particularly well suited to the Lone Star State's unique range of

1-21     climatic conditions, cotton clothing is a typically Texan

1-22     tradition, and its many virtues underscore the fiber's importance

1-23     to the state; and

1-24           WHEREAS, Cotton is universally acknowledged as an essential

 2-1     element of the Lone Star State's history and heritage, and it is

 2-2     indeed fitting that this close relationship be recognized at this

 2-3     time; now, therefore, be it

 2-4           RESOLVED, That the 75th Legislature of the State of Texas

 2-5     hereby designate cotton the Official State Fiber and Fabric of

 2-6     Texas.