By Hunter                                            H.C.R. No. 104
         76R6514 BE-D                           
                             HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
 1-1           WHEREAS, The preservation of the history of Texas is and must
 1-2     remain a priority if the long and noble story of this state is to
 1-3     remain meaningful for future generations; and
 1-4           WHEREAS, One of the finest efforts toward that end is the
 1-5     Texas Forts Trail, hundreds of miles of highway that loop through
 1-6     the heart of the historic northwestern frontier of Texas; and
 1-7           WHEREAS, Stretching from Fort Richardson near Jacksboro
 1-8     southwest to Fort McKavett outside of Menard, the Texas Forts Trail
 1-9     is a tangible link to an exciting period of the Lone Star State's
1-10     history; and
1-11           WHEREAS, The African-American regiments of Buffalo Soldiers
1-12     distinguished themselves at these remote outposts and earned
1-13     positions of respect and real authority; Native American tribes
1-14     fought on these plains, in a  valiant but losing bid to protect
1-15     their hunting grounds and traditions; and
1-16           WHEREAS, From the ruins of the Spanish Presidio San Luis de
1-17     las Amarillas to the official Texas state longhorn herd at Fort
1-18     Griffin, there is much to see and experience along this amazing
1-19     route that so brilliantly illuminates the history of this state;
1-20     and
1-21           WHEREAS, On March 8, 1999, members of the Texas Forts Trail
1-22     organization and their associates will construct an authentic early
1-23     Texas camp on the grounds of the State Capitol as part of the
1-24     festivities in recognition of the Texas Forts Trail; this
 2-1     fascinating occasion will no doubt illustrate even further the
 2-2     skills and bravery possessed by the soldiers and settlers of the
 2-3     Lone Star State; and
 2-4           WHEREAS, The Texas Forts Trail and the  events at the Capitol
 2-5     are affiliated with the Texas Travel Trails Heritage Tourism
 2-6     Program, which was established in 1968 to combine the economic
 2-7     benefits of tourism with family education; and
 2-8           WHEREAS, With the Texas Historical Commission, and in
 2-9     coordination with a number of other state agencies, the Texas
2-10     Travel Trails Heritage Tourism Program is committed to the
2-11     preservation and protection of Texas culture, and the establishment
2-12     of the Texas Forts Trail is yet more proof of the fine work these
2-13     agencies have accomplished; now, therefore, be it
2-14           RESOLVED, That the 76th Legislature of the State of Texas
2-15     hereby recognize the Texas Forts Trail and extend to all those
2-16     associated with this valuable project warm best wishes for great
2-17     success and heartily encourage all citizens of the Lone Star State
2-18     to investigate the vacation potential of heritage tourism in Texas;
2-19     and, be it further
2-20           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
2-21     prepared for the Texas Forts Trail organization as an expression of
2-22     high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.