By Counts                                              H.R. No. 659
         76R12541 BE-F                           
                                 R E S O L U T I O N
 1-1           WHEREAS, The Texas House of Representatives takes great pride
 1-2     in recognizing April 19, 1999, as Big Spring Day at the State
 1-3     Capitol, for Big Spring is a Lone Star city with a true pioneer
 1-4     spirit, a rich history, and a bright future that indeed merit
 1-5     special legislative recognition; and
 1-6           WHEREAS, Big Spring's history bears the mark of many
 1-7     historical personages; the city has been influenced by Spanish
 1-8     conquistadores such as Coronado, by Native American tribes
 1-9     including the Comanches, and by explorers like Captain Randolph
1-10     Marcy, who recorded the discovery of Big Spring; and
1-11           WHEREAS, Agribusiness and industry have played a key role in
1-12     the development and success of Big Spring, from cattle and crops to
1-13     the advent of the cotton gin and the arrival of the railroad; the
1-14     area's earliest ranchers included Colonel C. C. Slaughter, "Bud"
1-15     Roberts, and David Abner Rhoton, and pioneer farmer J. B. Boydstun
1-16     is credited with introducing cotton to the growing economy; and
1-17           WHEREAS, The oil business was another important element in
1-18     the development and growth of Big Spring, and Josh Cosden, Dora
1-19     Roberts, and W. R. Settles all helped establish the town's
1-20     oil-related industry; and
1-21           WHEREAS, Big Spring is exceptionally proud of its pioneer
1-22     past, but the city and its residents look confidently to the
1-23     future; in addition to a new junior high school, Big Spring has
1-24     also recently constructed America's largest wind turbines,
 2-1     impressive steps forward in education and technological innovation;
 2-2     and
 2-3           WHEREAS, This crossroads city welcomes visitors with a host
 2-4     of historic sites, monuments, and attractions; the Heritage Museum
 2-5     and the Hangar 25 Museum, the Vietnam Memorial, the Potton House,
 2-6     Big Spring State Park and Comanche Trails Park and Lake, the
 2-7     Veteran's Hospital, Kid Zone, the Municipal Auditorium, and the
 2-8     Settles Hotel offer proof that there is truly something for
 2-9     everyone in Big Spring; and
2-10           WHEREAS, This proud Texas city and its remarkable citizens
2-11     will continue to look ahead to the 21st century, honoring the past,
2-12     working toward prosperity for all, and generating hope for future
2-13     residents; the people of Big Spring have been blessed with their
2-14     forebears' pioneer spirit and welcome the challenges and
2-15     opportunities of the future, and it is a great pleasure to join
2-16     with these proud Texans in honoring their city at this time; now,
2-17     therefore, be it
2-18           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas
2-19     Legislature hereby recognize April 19, 1999, as Big Spring Day at
2-20     the State Capitol and extend to that city and its many fine
2-21     residents warmest best wishes for even greater success and
2-22     happiness in the years to come; and, be it further
2-23           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
2-24     prepared for the city of Big Spring to commemorate this occasion
2-25     and as an expression of highest regard by the Texas House of
2-26     Representatives.