By:  Galloway                                           S.R. No. 57

 1-1     By:  Galloway                                           S.R. No. 57

 1-2                              SENATE RESOLUTION

 1-3           WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas proudly recognizes

 1-4     the citizens of Port Arthur and joins them in recognition of

 1-5     Port Arthur Day, February 24, 1997; and

 1-6           WHEREAS, The celebration of Port Arthur Day provides the

 1-7     citizens of Port Arthur with an opportunity to rejoice in the

 1-8     amenities of their outstanding city and to take pride in its

 1-9     unique contributions to the State of Texas; and

1-10           WHEREAS, Located nine miles from the Gulf of Mexico in

1-11     Jefferson County, Port Arthur was named for Arthur E. Stillwell,

1-12     president of the Kansas City Southern Railroad; he was instrumental

1-13     in bringing the railroad to the townsite in the late 1800s; and

1-14           WHEREAS, The town grew extensively after the discovery of

1-15     oil at Spindletop in 1901; refineries were built and the city's

1-16     facilities were used for pumping the oil into sea-going vessels;

1-17     and

1-18           WHEREAS, While situated in a famous oil refinery area,

1-19     Port Arthur is also well known for its surrounding beauty; two

1-20     national wildlife refuges, the McFaddin and the Texas Point

1-21     National Wildlife refuges, are to the south of the city, and

1-22     Pleasure Island is connected by the M. L. King-Gulfgate

1-23     Bridge; and

 2-1           WHEREAS, Snow geese, 23 species of ducks, and other waterfowl

 2-2     populate the enchanting marshes, and Sabine Lake and the nearby

 2-3     Gulf of Mexico provide for excellent freshwater and saltwater

 2-4     fishing opportunities; and

 2-5           WHEREAS, Local citizens and tourists enjoy Sea Rim State

 2-6     Park and nearby Sabine Pass Battleground State Historical Park,

 2-7     which marks the site of a Civil War battle in which a small number

 2-8     of Confederates forced a large Union fleet to retreat; and

 2-9           WHEREAS, Port Arthur residents are hardworking, generous, and

2-10     hospitable and have united successfully to preserve the beauty and

2-11     charm of their city; now, therefore, be it

2-12           RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,

2-13     75th Legislature, hereby commend the citizens of Port Arthur and

2-14     extend best wishes for a rewarding and festive Port Arthur Day;

2-15     and, be it further

2-16           RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared

2-17     for them as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate.

2-18                                  ______________________________________

2-19                                          President of the Senate

2-20                                       I hereby certify that the above

2-21                                  Resolution was adopted by the Senate

2-22                                  on February 24, 1997.

2-23                                  ______________________________________

2-24                                          Secretary of the Senate

2-25                                  ______________________________________

2-26                                           Member, Texas Senate