By:  Armbrister                                        S.R. No. 213

 1-1     By:  Armbrister                                        S.R. No. 213

 1-2                              SENATE RESOLUTION

 1-3           WHEREAS, On Tuesday, February 25, 1997, Matagorda County

 1-4     Day will be celebrated by the proud citizens of Matagorda County

 1-5     in recognition of its many contributions to the State of Texas; and

 1-6           WHEREAS, Situated along the Gulf of Mexico between Brazoria

 1-7     and Calhoun counties, this lush county consists of more than 1,100

 1-8     square miles, including Matagorda Bay, and the land is drained by

 1-9     the Colorado River, Caney Creek, and Tres Palacios Creek; and

1-10           WHEREAS, Often called "The Cradle of Texas History,"

1-11     Matagorda County was first settled by people brought in under the

1-12     auspices of Stephen F. Austin; agriculture was the primary source

1-13     of income and the main crops were cotton and sugarcane; after the

1-14     Civil War, cattle ranching became the chief source of income, since

1-15     both the war and the boll weevil destroyed cotton crops; and

1-16           WHEREAS, Railroad development became a major reason for the

1-17     growth of Matagorda County around 1898; Bay City was established

1-18     in 1894 and became the county seat; and

1-19           WHEREAS, According to the 1990 census, the total population

1-20     of Matagorda County is around 37,000; the modern-day economy is

1-21     based on agriculture, petrochemicals, nuclear power, plastics,

1-22     oil and gas, and oilfield services; and

1-23           WHEREAS, The recreational attractions of this area are

 2-1     manifold; major parks and the Gulf of Mexico provide ample

 2-2     opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment; and

 2-3           WHEREAS, Numerous civic organizations sponsor annual

 2-4     events each year; among these events are the Matagorda County

 2-5     Rodeo, Cinco de Mayo, Blessing of the Fleet, Bayfest, Rice

 2-6     Festival, and Market Days; and

 2-7           WHEREAS, Adding to the rich cultural heritage of the area

 2-8     are two museums and many historical sites; and

 2-9           WHEREAS, Among the chief assets of the county are its friendly

2-10     and hospitable citizenry; the residents of Matagorda County have

2-11     made it one of the outstanding areas of the state; and

2-12           WHEREAS, The many contributions of the residents of the

2-13     county to the State of Texas are truly worthy of legislative

2-14     recognition and praise; and

2-15           WHEREAS, It is indeed a pleasure and a privilege for the

2-16     Texas Senate to honor this outstanding Texas county and its fine

2-17     citizens; now, therefore, be it

2-18           RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,

2-19     75th Legislature, hereby extend sincere congratulations to the

2-20     citizens of Matagorda County on their special day and offer best

2-21     wishes for a memorable and joyous celebration; and, be it further

2-22           RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for

2-23     Matagorda County as a memento of this special day.

2-24                                  ______________________________________

2-25                                          President of the Senate

2-26                                       I hereby certify that the above

2-27                                  Resolution was adopted by the Senate

 3-1                                  on February 25, 1997.

 3-2                                  ______________________________________

 3-3                                          Secretary of the Senate

 3-4                                  ______________________________________

 3-5                                           Member, Texas Senate