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.