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.