R E S O L U T I O N
1-1 WHEREAS, Many proud residents of Matagorda County will be in
1-2 Austin on February 25, 1997, to celebrate Matagorda County Day at
1-3 the State Capitol; and
1-4 WHEREAS, Matagorda County's colorful history dates back to
1-5 the early days of Texas, when the rich, fertile land between the
1-6 Colorado and Brazos rivers was included in Moses Austin's original
1-7 land grant in 1820; after his death, Moses' son Stephen F. Austin
1-8 continued his father's plans of establishing a settlement in this
1-9 beautiful region along the Gulf Coast; and
1-10 WHEREAS, Blessed with fertile soil, ample rainfall, and a
1-11 mild climate, Matagorda County attracted hundreds of settlers eager
1-12 to tame this new frontier; the wide open prairies offered plenty of
1-13 land for farming and ranching, while the hardwood forests bordering
1-14 the region's waterways provided pioneer families with an abundant
1-15 supply of wood for building and for fuel; and
1-16 WHEREAS, Cotton and sugar quickly became the dominant crops,
1-17 but in later years the county expanded its agricultural economy to
1-18 include rice, corn, soy beans, milo, and other grains; and
1-19 WHEREAS, Settlers flocked to this thriving new community, and
1-20 Stephen F. Austin's vision of a prosperous and successful Texas
1-21 settlement became a reality; beginning in 1898, the railroad system
1-22 expanded throughout the region, bringing supplies and more settlers
1-23 to the Gulf Coast and spurring a dynamic period of growth and
1-24 development as enterprising individuals founded cities such as
2-1 Palacios, Blessing, Markham, Van Vleck, and Wadsworth along the new
2-2 rail lines; and
2-3 WHEREAS, Since that time, a diverse economy encompassing
2-4 petrochemicals, plastics, and oil and gas, as well as agriculture,
2-5 has sustained the growth of this outstanding county, which
2-6 currently boasts a population of nearly 37,000 people; despite this
2-7 economic growth, Matagorda County has retained its charm and grace,
2-8 and many tourists flock to this area each year to enjoy its wide
2-9 variety of recreational activities; and
2-10 WHEREAS, This picturesque seaside community offers numerous
2-11 opportunities for boating, sailing, fishing, and water skiing,
2-12 while cities such as Palacios and Bay City provide a variety of
2-13 other entertainment options, including a golf course, museums, a
2-14 convention center, a sports complex, and numerous points of
2-15 historical interest; and
2-16 WHEREAS, Throughout the year, visitors and residents alike
2-17 are treated to a vast array of festivals and celebrations, thanks
2-18 to the dedicated efforts of the county's many fine civic
2-19 organizations; the Matagorda County Rodeo, the Christmas Parade of
2-20 Lights, the Shrimporee and Blessing of the Fleet, Bayfest, the Rice
2-21 Festival, and Market Days have become renowned throughout the Lone
2-22 Star State for the fun and fellowship they provide, and the fine
2-23 people of Matagorda County deserve much praise for making each of
2-24 these events memorable and special; and
2-25 WHEREAS, Bay City, the county seat, celebrated its centennial
2-26 year in 1994 with many special events; Governor Ann Richards gave
2-27 the address at the kick-off luncheon in January, and a series of
3-1 outstanding events each month closed in September with a great
3-2 fireworks display and a Festival of Faith Sunday in which all the
3-3 churches came together in an inspiring vesper service on the
3-4 courthouse square; and
3-5 WHEREAS, The residents of Matagorda County can take
3-6 justifiable pride in their community's heritage and should look
3-7 forward to the future with great anticipation; this unique county
3-8 and its exceptional citizens have played a significant role in
3-9 Texas' development, and their many contributions to the Lone Star
3-10 State are truly deserving of a special legislative salute; now,
3-11 therefore, be it
3-12 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas
3-13 Legislature hereby recognize February 25, 1997, as Matagorda County
3-14 Day at the Capitol and join the citizens of Matagorda County in
3-15 paying tribute to one of Texas' finest counties; and, be it further
3-16 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
3-17 prepared for the people of Matagorda County as a commemoration of
3-18 this grand occasion and as an expression of high regard by the
3-19 Texas House of Representatives.
Uher
_______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 226 was adopted by the House on
February 25, 1997, by a non-record vote.
_______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House