By Pitts H.R. No. 310
76R7165 MDM-D
R E S O L U T I O N
1-1 WHEREAS, The Texas House of Representatives takes great
1-2 pleasure in joining the citizens of Ellis County in the celebration
1-3 of Ellis County Day at the Capitol on March 2, 1999; and
1-4 WHEREAS, Occupying 953 square miles of North Central Texas,
1-5 Ellis County is bounded on the east by the rich soils of the
1-6 blackland belt, and the landscape varies from a gently rolling
1-7 terrain to a level plain; and
1-8 WHEREAS, The earliest inhabitants of the county were Tonkawa
1-9 Indians, who pursued the great buffalo herds that once roamed the
1-10 region; one of the first pioneers, W. R. Howe, settled near present
1-11 day Forreston in July 1843, and within seven years, farmers and
1-12 ranchers had flocked to the area; the county was named for Richard
1-13 Ellis, the president of the Convention of 1836 that declared Texas'
1-14 independence from Mexico, and in an 1850 election Waxahachie was
1-15 chosen as the county seat; and
1-16 WHEREAS, On August 19, 1850, William Hawkins presided over
1-17 the first Ellis County Court, which authorized the expenditure of
1-18 $59 to construct a courthouse; that structure was replaced in 1895
1-19 by the elaborate red sandstone and granite building that is still
1-20 in use today, and the Ellis County Courthouse has earned great
1-21 renown as one of the most beautiful and storied public buildings in
1-22 Texas; and
1-23 WHEREAS, Also known as the Crape Myrtle Capital of Texas and
1-24 the Gingerbread City because of its hundreds of beautifully
2-1 restored Victorian homes, Waxahachie is the centerpiece of Ellis
2-2 County's rich historical pride, and the city boasts one of the only
2-3 remaining Chautauqua auditoriums; built at the turn of the century,
2-4 the auditorium was the venue for religious and cultural events when
2-5 Waxahachie was still a rural town, and now thousands of visitors
2-6 travel to Ellis County each year to relive its history; and
2-7 WHEREAS, Since its settlement in the mid-1800s, Ellis County
2-8 has been recognized as one of the leading agricultural counties in
2-9 the state, and the coming of the railroad in 1871 brought
2-10 additional economic prosperity as top industries from throughout
2-11 the United States established a presence in this historic county;
2-12 the city of Midlothian is home to several such world-class
2-13 companies, including Chapparral Steel Company, Texas Industries,
2-14 Holnam Texas, and North Texas Cement Company, earning the town
2-15 designation as the Cement and Steel Capital of Texas; and
2-16 WHEREAS, This vital economy is supported by an outstanding
2-17 educational system; the first school in Ellis County was organized
2-18 nearly a century and a half ago by Michael Dickson in Milford, and
2-19 today the county hosts two highly regarded colleges, Navarro
2-20 College and Southwestern Assemblies of God University; and
2-21 WHEREAS, In addition to Waxahachie, Midlothian, and Milford,
2-22 Ellis County is home to such thriving communities as Ennis, Red
2-23 Oak, Ovilla, Ferris, Palmer, Bristol, Avalon, Bardwell, Italy, and
2-24 Maypearl, among many others; Ennis, located in the eastern part of
2-25 the county, is the site of the Texas Motorplex and is a cultural
2-26 center for Czech heritage, while the Red Oak/Ovilla area in
2-27 northern Ellis County winningly combines the charm and beauty of
3-1 small town life with convenient access to downtown Dallas and the
3-2 Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport; and
3-3 WHEREAS, The residents of Ellis County, in testament to the
3-4 great pride they take in their unique history and heritage, have
3-5 taken steps to restore many of the historic homes and landmarks to
3-6 their former grandeur, and many cities throughout the county are
3-7 enthusiastic participants in the Texas Main Street Project; and
3-8 WHEREAS, Visitors wishing to delve into the region's past can
3-9 explore the Ellis County Museum, the Railroad and Cultural Heritage
3-10 Museum, and the Larkin Newton Cabin, all of which showcase hundreds
3-11 of antiques and artifacts illustrating the history and heritage of
3-12 Ellis County; and
3-13 WHEREAS, Tourists are also drawn to the county's many diverse
3-14 events and annual festivals; Ennis is home to the Bluebonnet
3-15 Festival and the National Polka Festival, while Waxahachie is the
3-16 site of the Scarborough Faire Renaissance Festival, the Gingerbread
3-17 Trail Historic Home Tour, Bethlehem Revisited, and July 4th
3-18 fireworks in conjunction with the annual Crape Myrtle Festival;
3-19 numerous other communities also host fall festivals and parades
3-20 throughout the county; and
3-21 WHEREAS, Filmmakers have long been drawn to Ellis County for
3-22 its prime movie locations, and Waxahachie has been recognized by
3-23 the Los Angeles Film Makers Association as "The Best Little
3-24 Hollywood in Texas" and as "Vintage America in Mint Condition"; and
3-25 WHEREAS, All of the cities and communities of Ellis County
3-26 are preparing for commercial, industrial, and residential growth,
3-27 as more and more individuals are discovering the high quality of
4-1 life afforded by the county's high quality school districts,
4-2 responsible citizens, and convenient access to the Metroplex; the
4-3 people of Ellis County face a bright future indeed, and the many
4-4 contributions of the citizens of this modern, energetic community
4-5 have earned the appreciation of all Texans; now, therefore, be it
4-6 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas
4-7 Legislature hereby recognize March 2, 1999, as Ellis County Day at
4-8 the Capitol and join with the residents of that county in
4-9 celebration of one of Texas' finest communities; and, be it further
4-10 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
4-11 prepared for the people of Ellis County as an expression of high
4-12 esteem by the Texas House of Representatives.