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