HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 1-1 WHEREAS, The crape myrtle has been a distinctive part of the 1-2 Texas landscape for more than 100 years, and this striking shrub 1-3 never fails to add a touch of class and beauty to its surroundings; 1-4 and 1-5 WHEREAS, Many Texans appreciate the splendor of the crape 1-6 myrtle and have taken a special interest in its proliferation in 1-7 their communities, making it difficult to traverse our great state 1-8 without witnessing the plant's annual summer flush of color; and 1-9 WHEREAS, Originally imported from China, the crape myrtle, 1-10 Lagerstroemia indica, has thrived in the Lone Star State's often 1-11 brutal climate, and the establishment of these hardy hybrids has 1-12 done much to encourage tourism for many Texas cities while also 1-13 bolstering civic pride among their residents; and 1-14 WHEREAS, In 1857, the wife of Confederate General Sam Bell 1-15 Maxey introduced the crape myrtle to Paris, Texas, and in 1916, 1-16 after a fire devastated this Northeast Texas town, one of the 1-17 community's first beautification projects incorporated these 1-18 colorful shrubs; several years later, newspaper publisher A. G. 1-19 "Pat" Mayse further established the city's link to the plant when 1-20 he sold thousands of crape myrtle seedlings for 25 cents each as 1-21 Paris's residents prepared to celebrate Texas' centennial; and 1-22 WHEREAS, More recently, citizens planted crape myrtles along 1-23 the 18-mile stretch of highway between Paris and the Texas-Oklahoma 1-24 border; this prominent display provides a distinctive welcome to 2-1 travelers entering the Lone Star State from the north and offers a 2-2 memorable Texas farewell to those individuals who must leave the 2-3 friendly confines of our state; and 2-4 WHEREAS, The crape myrtle enjoys an equally prominent 2-5 position in the annals of Waxahachie, where the Crape Myrtle 2-6 Council has endeavored to further beautify this lovely city with 2-7 the addition of 2,000 crape myrtles; community volunteers have 2-8 rallied together to assist in the planting and maintenance of the 2-9 shrubs in a region that already boasts a profusion of these unique 2-10 plants; and 2-11 WHEREAS, Throughout the town, dazzling blooms subtly accent 2-12 the rustic charm of Waxahachie's elaborate Victorian-style homes, 2-13 framing these stunning structures in a springtime explosion of red, 2-14 white, pink, and lavender and enticing visitors from across the 2-15 country to visit this historic city; and 2-16 WHEREAS, The rich soil of Brazos County is epecially suited 2-17 for growing these exquisite plants, and their foliage provides a 2-18 dramatic complement to the county's magnificent oaks for many 2-19 months each year; reflecting their concern for the natural beauty 2-20 and ecology of their community, members of Brazos Beautiful, Inc., 2-21 have planted crape myrtles in parks and public areas to promote a 2-22 cleaner, healthier, and more attractive environment; and 2-23 WHEREAS, The organization's tireless efforts have greatly 2-24 enhanced College Station's Richard Carter Park, where visitors can 2-25 stroll along paths dotted with more than 20 varieties of crape 2-26 myrtle, delighting in their showy blossoms; gracing urban areas and 2-27 parklands throughout Brazos County, the crape myrtle has come to 3-1 symbolize the community's sense of self-esteem and civic 3-2 cooperation; and 3-3 WHEREAS, The history of the crape myrtle is indelibly linked 3-4 to Lamar County and the city of Paris, and its unique relationship 3-5 with both Waxahachie and Brazos County is also well known among 3-6 Texans; the citizens of these communities and the many 3-7 organizations within them are to be commended as they continue in 3-8 their efforts to promote the propagation of this enchanting plant 3-9 in Texas; now, therefore, be it 3-10 RESOLVED, That the 75th Legislature of the State of Texas 3-11 hereby formally recognize the valuable addition of the crape myrtle 3-12 to our native flora and declare the crape myrtle the Official State 3-13 Shrub of Texas; and, be it further 3-14 RESOLVED, That Lamar County be declared the Crape Myrtle 3-15 County Capital and that Paris, its county seat, be designated the 3-16 Official Crape Myrtle City for their longtime association with the 3-17 celebrated shrub; and, be it further 3-18 RESOLVED, That Waxahachie be declared the Crape Myrtle 3-19 Capital of Texas and that Brazos County be recognized as an 3-20 Official Crape Myrtle County for their communities' lasting 3-21 contributions to the beautification of Texas. Pitts _______________________________ _______________________________ President of the Senate Speaker of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 14 was adopted by the House on May 7, 1997, by a non-record vote. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 14 was adopted by the Senate on May 26, 1997, by a viva-voce vote. _______________________________ Secretary of the Senate APPROVED: _____________________ Date _____________________ Governor