By Raymond                                       H.R. No. 142

      75R5726 SAJ-F                           

                                 R E S O L U T I O N

 1-1           WHEREAS, The Texas House of Representatives is proud to join

 1-2     the citizens of Jim Wells County in the joyous celebration of Jim

 1-3     Wells County Day at the State Capitol on February 26, 1997; and

 1-4           WHEREAS, The area's recorded history dates back to the early

 1-5     1500s, when noted Spanish explorer Alvar Nunez de Cabeza de Vaca

 1-6     told of prickly pear festivals held annually by his coastal Indian

 1-7     captors  at or near the site of present-day Alice, the county seat;

 1-8     and

 1-9           WHEREAS, During the 1830s, inexpensive land grants and an

1-10     abundance of native game animals lured settlers to the area, which

1-11     later was home to a thriving wool export industry; noted developers

1-12     John B. Armstrong, Robert J. Kleberg, and Mifflin Kenedy went on to

1-13     establish the town of Kleberg, renamed Alice, at the intersection

1-14     of the San Antonio-San Patricio and Texas-Mexican railroads, and

1-15     the community soon became the world's largest cattle shipping

1-16     center; and

1-17           WHEREAS, Jim Wells County was officially created by the Texas

1-18     Legislature with the enactment of House Bill 119 in 1911, and since

1-19     that time, an economy driven by petroleum exploration and

1-20     agriculture has helped to sustain the region's vibrant growth; the

1-21     county's current population exceeds 37,000, yet despite its

1-22     impressive growth, the county has retained its unique character and

1-23     charm; and

1-24           WHEREAS, Located along the "Texas Tropical Trail," Alice is

 2-1     known as the Hub of South Texas and boasts state of the art health

 2-2     care facilities, a fine public school system, and a diverse and

 2-3     thriving business sector that encompasses oil exploration,

 2-4     agriculture, and ranching industries;  Jim Wells County is set to

 2-5     become a major hub of international trade because of its strategic

 2-6     location on the primary trade route between the United States and

 2-7     Mexico, and the region will continue to contribute greatly to

 2-8     Texas' prosperity well into the coming century; and

 2-9           WHEREAS, Throughout the years, countless individuals have

2-10     been drawn to the area's abundant supply of natural and cultural

2-11     resources;  outdoor sports and recreation enthusiasts can partake

2-12     in an outstanding array of water sports at Lake Alice, and golfers

2-13     can sharpen their skills at the county's two fine golf courses; and

2-14           WHEREAS, In addition, festivalgoers of all ages delight in

2-15     the many celebrations the county has to offer throughout the year,

2-16     including the Jim Wells County Fair and Rodeo, Fiesta Bandana, the

2-17     July Fourth fireworks display, and A Wonderland of Lights Christmas

2-18     display and Christmas parade; visitors and residents alike can

2-19     learn more about the region at the South Texas Museum, and they can

2-20     spend interesting afternoons visiting the many other points of

2-21     historical interest in the area; and

2-22           WHEREAS, Rich in culture and tradition, Jim Wells County is a

2-23     prosperous, forward-looking region and a leading participant in the

2-24     state's dynamic growth, and it gives the members of this chamber

2-25     great pleasure to salute the county and its people on this

2-26     auspicious occasion; now, therefore, be it

2-27           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas

 3-1     Legislature hereby recognize February 26, 1997, as Jim Wells County

 3-2     Day at the Capitol and join the citizens of Jim Wells County in

 3-3     paying tribute to one of Texas' finest counties; and, be it further

 3-4           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be

 3-5     prepared for the citizens of Jim Wells County as a commemoration of

 3-6     this grand occasion and as an expression of high regard by the

 3-7     Texas House of Representatives.