R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, This year the city of DeSoto will mark the 50th 1-2 anniversary of its incorporation with a reception honoring the 1-3 town's founding citizens, longtime residents, and former elected 1-4 officials, all of whom have contributed much to the high quality of 1-5 life available in this fine Texas city; and 1-6 WHEREAS, In 1847, just 11 years after Texas won its 1-7 independence, the area that would become DeSoto was being settled 1-8 by farmers, ranchers, and their families, making it one of the 1-9 oldest communities in North Texas; and 1-10 WHEREAS, By 1881 the area's growth and potential prompted the 1-11 establishment of a post office, and the community chose the name 1-12 DeSoto to honor Dr. Thomas Hernando DeSoto Stewart, a beloved local 1-13 physician who had dedicated himself to the health and well-being of 1-14 his neighbors; and 1-15 WHEREAS, For many years residents of the area pursued 1-16 traditional, rural vocations, though the post-World War II 1-17 industrial boom soon brought great change and progress to the area; 1-18 and 1-19 WHEREAS, In order to meet the needs of the growing 1-20 community's citizens, a petition for incorporation was submitted to 1-21 the courts, and on March 2, 1949, an election was held; the measure 1-22 passed and was entered into the records on March 3, 1949, and the 1-23 incorporated city of DeSoto was established; and 1-24 WHEREAS, The years since have been good ones for the town; 2-1 its citizens have elected dedicated, capable leaders, and together 2-2 they have created and sustained a responsive and diligent city 2-3 government; and 2-4 WHEREAS, From the first meeting of the city council on March 2-5 17, 1949, to the present, the city of DeSoto and its noted 2-6 leadership have made this community an outstanding place in which 2-7 to live, work, and raise a family, and it is indeed a privilege to 2-8 honor the founders, longtime residents, and past leaders of this 2-9 singular Texas city at this time; now, therefore, be it 2-10 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas 2-11 Legislature hereby recognize the city of DeSoto on the 50th 2-12 anniversary of its incorporation and extend to all its residents 2-13 best wishes for great success and happiness in the years to come; 2-14 and, be it further 2-15 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-16 prepared for prominent display in DeSoto as an expression of high 2-17 regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Giddings _______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 323 was adopted by the House on March 3, 1999, by a non-record vote. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House