R E S O L U T I O N

 1-1           WHEREAS, On May 14-17, 1998, the citizens of Columbus will

 1-2     celebrate the city's 175th anniversary, and this singular event is

 1-3     indeed worthy of special praise and recognition; and

 1-4           WHEREAS, This historic community, located at the site of the

 1-5     legendary Native American village of Montezuma, was settled in 1823

 1-6     by members of the "Old Three Hundred," Stephen F. Austin's original

 1-7     group of settlers; and

 1-8           WHEREAS, Originally known as Beeson's Ferry, the burgeoning

 1-9     settlement was rechristened Columbus in 1835, but tragedy struck

1-10     the next year when the town was razed by Sam Houston's retreating

1-11     forces during the Texas War of Independence; and

1-12           WHEREAS, The town was soon resettled and quickly emerged as a

1-13     thriving agricultural center, shipping beef, cotton, and tobacco

1-14     aboard the steamships and barges that traveled the Colorado River;

1-15     since that time timber, rice, corn, and soybeans have taken their

1-16     places as mainstays of the local economy, and the petroleum

1-17     industry has also made significant contributions to the area's

1-18     prosperity; and

1-19           WHEREAS, During Columbus's official commemoration of its

1-20     175th anniversary, residents and visitors alike will enjoy a grand

1-21     and festive celebration of the town's intriguing history, and the

1-22     varied and engaging entertainment planned will aptly reflect the

1-23     rich traditions that comprise its heritage; and

1-24           WHEREAS, Columbus's colorful history ensures its place in the

 2-1     story of the Lone Star State, but even as its residents take pride

 2-2     in their hometown's past glories, they look forward to embracing

 2-3     new challenges and opportunities in the years to come; now,

 2-4     therefore, be it

 2-5           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas

 2-6     Legislature hereby commemorate the city of Columbus's 175th

 2-7     anniversary and extend to its citizens sincere best wishes for

 2-8     continued success and happiness in the future.

                                                                        Cook

                                             _______________________________

                                                   Speaker of the House

               I certify that H.R. No. 335 was adopted by the House on April

         3, 1997, by a non-record vote.

                                             _______________________________

                                                 Chief Clerk of the House