R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, On April 22, 1997, many proud residents of Van Zandt 1-2 County will gather in Austin to celebrate Van Zandt County Day at 1-3 the State Capitol, and this festive occasion offers an ideal 1-4 opportunity to extol this unique region's many attributes; and 1-5 WHEREAS, Van Zandt County was home to some of the earliest 1-6 Texans; archaeological evidence suggests that the area has been 1-7 continuously inhabited for more than 10,000 years, and by the time 1-8 of the arrival of the first settlers, the predominant local 1-9 civilization was that of the Caddo Indians; and 1-10 WHEREAS, Established by the legislature in 1848, the county 1-11 was named for Republic of Texas leader Isaac Van Zandt; largely 1-12 populated by southerners who supported the Confederate cause during 1-13 the Civil War, it was also home to a vocal antislavery minority of 1-14 Europeans and small farmers, and their reputation as staunch 1-15 Unionists resulted in the county being nicknamed "The Free State of 1-16 Van Zandt"; and 1-17 WHEREAS, Blessed with abundant natural resources, Van Zandt 1-18 County is a crucial source of oil and gas, as well as of a diverse 1-19 assortment of agricultural products, including cattle, hogs, hay, 1-20 and sweet potatoes, and the significance of salt as a mainstay of 1-21 the local economy is aptly embodied in Grand Saline's Salt Palace, 1-22 a building constructed entirely of this essential mineral; and 1-23 WHEREAS, The natural riches of the region are complemented by 1-24 its dynamic and public-spirited population, and although the county 2-1 enjoys proximity to the amenities of the Metroplex area, its 2-2 residents still practice the virtues of small-town warmth and 2-3 friendliness with friends and strangers alike; and 2-4 WHEREAS, Van Zandt County's many attractions have made it a 2-5 popular destination for travellers from across the nation, and such 2-6 lively and entertaining events as the Edom Art Fair, Canton's First 2-7 Monday Trade Days, and Grand Saline's Salt Festival and Rodeo 2-8 ensure the enjoyment of vacationing visitors; and 2-9 WHEREAS, Even as the residents of Van Zandt County take pride 2-10 and satisfaction in their rich and colorful history, they look 2-11 forward to the challenges and opportunities that await them in the 2-12 years to come, and by all indications their future will indeed be a 2-13 bright one; now, therefore, be it 2-14 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas 2-15 Legislature hereby recognize April 22, 1997, as Van Zandt County 2-16 Day at the Capitol and extend a warm welcome to the visiting 2-17 members of the Van Zandt County delegation; and, be it further 2-18 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-19 prepared for the Van Zandt County delegation as an expression of 2-20 high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Glaze _______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 665 was adopted by the House on April 22, 1997, by a non-record vote. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House