By: Haywood S.R. No. 320 1-1 By: Haywood S.R. No. 320 1-2 SENATE RESOLUTION 1-3 WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas takes pride in 1-4 recognizing March 18, 1997, as Cotton Day at the State Capitol 1-5 in honor of the significant role cotton has played in our history 1-6 and in the economy of our state; and 1-7 WHEREAS, Cotton was first grown in Texas by the Spanish 1-8 missionaries in San Antonio as early as 1745; cotton cultivation 1-9 was begun by Anglo-American colonists when Stephen F. Austin 1-10 brought families to settle between the Trinity and Brazos rivers; 1-11 and 1-12 WHEREAS, Since 1880, Texas has led all other states in 1-13 cotton production, and cotton has earned its title of "King" in 1-14 Texas; cotton production and the annual cotton harvest in Texas 1-15 is approximately one-quarter of the total production in the 1-16 United States; and 1-17 WHEREAS, In the late 1850s and early 1860s, a sharp rise in 1-18 cotton production occurred when new areas for planting were opened 1-19 as the Indian tribes were pushed westward; the introduction of 1-20 barbed wire and the building of railroads increased the industry, 1-21 and cotton growing spread to the plains and the prairies of the 1-22 Panhandle by 1908 when irrigation brought water to the area; and 1-23 WHEREAS, Cotton in 1950 remained the main cash crop of Texas, 2-1 and since 1987, the annual cotton crop in Texas has averaged 4.51 2-2 million bales; the total value of upland and pima lint cotton 2-3 produced in Texas in 1996 was $1,421,366,000, and cottonseed 2-4 value in 1996 was $238,290,000; and 2-5 WHEREAS, Originally grown for its fiber, cotton has become a 2-6 versatile plant whose seeds are used for cooking oils, livestock 2-7 feed, and cleansing products, as well as various other products 2-8 made from its linters, hulls, and meats; and 2-9 WHEREAS, Cotton continues to be a major source of income for 2-10 our state, and Texas remains an important supplier of cotton 2-11 products for the world, with major buyers located in Japan and 2-12 South Korea; now, therefore, be it 2-13 RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 2-14 75th Legislature, hereby recognize all Texans associated with 2-15 the cotton industry in our state and declare March 18, 1997, as 2-16 Cotton Day at the Capitol; and, be it further 2-17 RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in honor 2-18 of the cotton industry as an expression of appreciation from the 2-19 Texas Senate. 2-20 ______________________________________ 2-21 President of the Senate 2-22 I hereby certify that the above 2-23 Resolution was adopted by the Senate 2-24 on March 18, 1997. 2-25 ______________________________________ 2-26 Secretary of the Senate 2-27 ______________________________________ 2-28 Member, Texas Senate