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.