By Patterson H.C.R. No. 250 75R15101 BNL-D HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 1-1 WHEREAS, The Texas Legislature is proud to join the citizens 1-2 of Hopkins County in the joyous celebration of Hopkins County Day 1-3 at the State Capitol on May 13, 1997; and 1-4 WHEREAS, Located in Northeast Texas, the county encompasses 1-5 793 square miles, and its rich soils produce a variety of native 1-6 timber, including short leaf pine, black walnut, red cedar, 1-7 hickory, oak, and pecan; and 1-8 WHEREAS, Residents take pride in the region's rich heritage; 1-9 the area was originally home to the Caddo Indians, and in 1842, 1-10 William and Harvey Hargrave established the first permanent 1-11 Anglo-American settlement in the eastern section of the county; and 1-12 WHEREAS, In 1846, Hopkins County was created out of Lamar and 1-13 Nacogdoches counties and was named for the family of pioneer David 1-14 Hopkins; now known as the Dairy Capital of Texas, the county boasts 1-15 about 350 dairies and the acclaimed Southwest Dairy Center, which 1-16 features dioramas, artifacts, and historical documents from the 1-17 industry's earliest days; and 1-18 WHEREAS, The region enjoys a vibrant economy based primarily 1-19 on agriculture; cotton, corn, and oats are its principal crops, and 1-20 vegetables and fruits, most notably strawberries, are grown as 1-21 well; and 1-22 WHEREAS, Residents and visitors alike are drawn to the area's 1-23 vast array of natural and cultural resources; outdoor enthusiasts 1-24 come to partake in the many recreational activities Cooper Lake has 2-1 to offer, and visitors of all ages learn more about the area by 2-2 visiting the Hopkins County Museum and Heritage Park or by 2-3 attending such popular local events as the July 4th Symphony on the 2-4 Square and fireworks program, the Sulphur Springs Folk Festival, 2-5 the Hopkins County Dairy Festival, and the Fall Festival, featuring 2-6 the World Champion Hopkins County Stew Contest; and 2-7 WHEREAS, In addition, architecture buffs can highlight their 2-8 visit with a trip to the Hopkins County Courthouse in Sulphur 2-9 Springs; the Romanesque Revival structure was built from Texas red 2-10 granite and limestone in 1895 and is listed in the National 2-11 Register of Historic Places; and 2-12 WHEREAS, Rich in culture and tradition, Hopkins County is a 2-13 prosperous, forward-looking region and a leading participant in the 2-14 state's dynamic growth, and it is truly a pleasure to salute this 2-15 fine county and its people on this auspicious occasion; now, 2-16 therefore, be it 2-17 RESOLVED, That the 75th Legislature of the State of Texas 2-18 hereby designate May 13, 1997, as Hopkins County Day at the State 2-19 Capitol and welcome the members of the county's delegation on their 2-20 visit to Austin.