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