By Cook H.R. No. 98 76R4948 BE-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, On February 23, 1999, many fine citizens of Fayette 1-2 County will be in Austin to celebrate the significant contributions 1-3 made to the State of Texas by one of its grandest counties; and 1-4 WHEREAS, Fayette County is the heart of South Central Texas 1-5 and has been blessed with some of the state's most picturesque 1-6 landscapes: gently rolling hills, steep bluffs, rich farmland, and 1-7 dense forest threaded by the Colorado River; and 1-8 WHEREAS, Tonkawa and Comanche Indians in pursuit of great 1-9 herds of buffalo were among the early residents of the area, though 1-10 the first historical record was not made until 1527; over the 1-11 centuries, many people representing many nations have left their 1-12 mark on Fayette County in search of trade, land, and freedom, and 1-13 today the county is one of the most ethnically diverse in the 1-14 state; and 1-15 WHEREAS, Organized on December 14, 1837, Fayette County was 1-16 named for the Marquis de LaFayette, a Revolutionary War hero, and a 1-17 site in Fayette County was initially chosen for the Republic of 1-18 Texas capitol before being vetoed by President Sam Houston; and 1-19 WHEREAS, Just south of La Grange, overlooking the Colorado 1-20 River, is Monument Hill State Historical Park, which offers what 1-21 many believe to be the best panoramic view in South Texas; in 1-22 addition to its spectacular vistas, the park is an important site 1-23 to students of Texas history, for it is the final resting place for 1-24 those Texas patriots felled in the Battle of Salado Creek and the 2-1 ill-fated Mier Expedition; and 2-2 WHEREAS, Whenever this nation has called, the citizens of 2-3 Fayette County have answered, from the Battles of Gonzales and San 2-4 Jacinto to Vietnam and Desert Storm, for the fires of patriotism 2-5 still burn here; faith too is strong in Fayette County and the area 2-6 is home to a number of historic churches that remain active today; 2-7 and 2-8 WHEREAS, Fayette County has long been recognized as a leader 2-9 in state agricultural production, with farms and ranches playing a 2-10 vital role in the county's economy; but healthy business and 2-11 industry sectors contribute greatly, as well, and Fayette County 2-12 goods and products are shipped around the world; and 2-13 WHEREAS, The dynamic economy supports an outstanding 2-14 education system, which graduates large numbers of well-educated 2-15 and highly skilled workers; health care, too, is a priority in 2-16 Fayette County, strengthened by a regional hospital with an 2-17 incomparable medical support team; and 2-18 WHEREAS, Residents and visitors alike of all ages can delight 2-19 in the many festivals and celebrations hosted by Fayette County 2-20 communities year-round, such as Spring Fling in La Grange; outdoor 2-21 enthusiasts also find much to do in Fayette County, with fishing 2-22 and boating on Lake Fayette and a number of first-rate golf 2-23 courses; and 2-24 WHEREAS, The citizens of Fayette County take justifiable 2-25 pride in their county's history and look to the future with great 2-26 enthusiasm, for this unique county and its citizens have played a 2-27 significant role in shaping Texas, and it is indeed appropriate to 3-1 recognize Fayette County at this time; now, therefore, be it 3-2 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas 3-3 Legislature hereby welcome the distinguished delegation of Fayette 3-4 County residents visiting on this day and declare February 23, 3-5 1999, Fayette County Day at the Capitol, and extend to all the 3-6 county's residents heartfelt best wishes for a memorable and joyous 3-7 celebration; and, be it further 3-8 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 3-9 prepared for prominent display in Fayette County as a commemoration 3-10 of this grand occasion and as an expression of high regard by the 3-11 Texas House of Representatives.