By Denny H.R. No. 168 Line and page numbers may not match official copy. Bill not drafted by TLC or Senate E&E. R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, On February 19, 1997, many proud residents of 1-2 Rockwall County will travel to Austin to celebrate Rockwall County 1-3 Day at the State Capitol; and 1-4 WHEREAS, The state's smallest county at just over 148 square 1-5 miles, Rockwall County was founded in 1873 by a group of pioneering 1-6 Texans in Kaufman County who staked out their own community in its 1-7 northwestern corner because of their isolation from the county 1-8 seat; and 1-9 WHEREAS, The county was named for an extensive system of 1-10 subterranean walls that protrude above ground in rock outcroppings 1-11 unique to the area; discovered by settlers drilling for water, the 1-12 walls are thought by scientist to have been formed by the Balcones 1-13 Fault, but continue to fuel speculation as to their real origin 1-14 because of their unusual man-made appearance; and 1-15 WHEREAS, Blessed with an abundant natural water supply and 1-16 the fertile soil characteristic of the Blackland Prairie region, 1-17 the county initially prospered as a thriving agricultural and 1-18 ranching center and today enjoys a robust and diverse economy that 1-19 offers distinct advantages to the business community as well, with 1-20 its proximity to the Dallas metroplex area and its well-educated 1-21 and industrious populace; and 2-1 WHEREAS, Rockwall County has experienced phenomenal growth in 2-2 recent years, nearly doubling its 1980 population, and is currently 2-3 home to some 30,000 residents who have found this county an ideal 2-4 place in which to live, work, and raise a family; and 2-5 WHEREAS, Citizens of Rockwall County are justifiably proud of 2-6 their innovative and award-winning schools, where students 2-7 consistently outperform their peers in state and national 2-8 standardized tests, win top honors in academic competitions, and go 2-9 on to attend college in vast numbers; and 2-10 WHEREAS, Recreational opportunities abound in this 2-11 picturesque county and include superb golfing at top-notch area 2-12 courses and unparalleled sailing at scenic Lake Ray Hubbard, 2-13 considered one of the best inland sailing lakes in the country; the 2-14 lake also is a popular destination for swimmers, fishermen, and 2-15 those just wishing to relax along its waters aboard the charming 2-16 paddle wheel boat, the Texas Queen, as participants in one of its 2-17 popular dinner cruises; and 2-18 WHEREAS, Visitors and residents alike are treated to a wealth 2-19 of cultural opportunities as well, including the Rockwall County 2-20 Historical Museum, an art gallery featuring the work of local and 2-21 regional artists, the Hubbard Chamber Music Series, and other 2-22 musical performances by the local Lakeside Singers; and 2-23 WHEREAS, Proof positive that good things do come in small 2-24 packages, Rockwall County has indeed played a vital role in the 2-25 development of the Lone Star State, and it is a great pleasure to 3-1 join with our fellow Texans in saluting this exemplary county and 3-2 its citizens at this time; now, therefore, be it 3-3 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas 3-4 Legislature hereby declare Wednesday, February 19, 1997, as 3-5 Rockwall County Day at the State Capitol and extend best wishes to 3-6 all of its citizens on this special occasion.