1-1 1 1-2 SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 72 1-3 WHEREAS, On Tuesday, February 23, 1999, Matagorda County 1-4 Day will be celebrated by the proud citizens of Matagorda County 1-5 in recognition of its many contributions to the State of Texas; 1-6 and 1-7 WHEREAS, Situated along the Gulf of Mexico between 1-8 Brazoria and Calhoun counties, this lush county consists of more 1-9 than 1,100 square miles, including Matagorda Bay, and the land is 1-10 drained by the Colorado River, Caney Creek, and Tres Palacios Creek; 1-11 and 1-12 WHEREAS, Often called "The Cradle of Texas History," 1-13 Matagorda County was first settled by people brought in under the 1-14 auspices of Stephen F. Austin; agriculture was the primary source 1-15 of income and the main crops were cotton and sugarcane; after the 1-16 Civil War, cattle ranching became the chief source of income, since 1-17 both the war and the boll weevil destroyed cotton crops; and 1-18 WHEREAS, Railroad development became a major reason for the 1-19 growth of Matagorda County around 1898; Bay City was established 1-20 in 1894 and became the county seat; and 1-21 WHEREAS, According to the 1990 census, the total 1-22 population of Matagorda County is around 37,000; the modern-day 1-23 economy is based on agriculture, petrochemicals, nuclear power, 1-24 plastics, oil and gas, and oilfield services; and 2-1 WHEREAS, The recreational attractions of this area are 2-2 manifold; major parks and the Gulf of Mexico provide ample 2-3 opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment; and 2-4 WHEREAS, Numerous civic organizations sponsor annual 2-5 events each year; among these events are the Matagorda County 2-6 Rodeo, Cinco de Mayo, Blessing of the Fleet, Bayfest, Rice 2-7 Festival, and Market Days; and 2-8 WHEREAS, Adding to the rich cultural heritage of the area 2-9 are two museums and many historical sites; and 2-10 WHEREAS, Among the chief assets of the county are its 2-11 friendly and hospitable citizenry; the residents of Matagorda 2-12 County have made it one of the outstanding areas of the state; 2-13 and 2-14 WHEREAS, The many contributions of the residents of the 2-15 county to the State of Texas are truly worthy of legislative 2-16 recognition and praise; and 2-17 WHEREAS, It is indeed a pleasure and a privilege for the 2-18 Texas Senate to honor this outstanding Texas county and its fine 2-19 citizens; now, therefore, be it 2-20 RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 2-21 76th Legislature, hereby extend sincere congratulations to the 2-22 citizens of Matagorda County on their special day and offer best 2-23 wishes for a memorable and joyous celebration; and, be it further 2-24 RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 2-25 Matagorda County as a memento of this special day. 2-26 Armbrister 3-1 ______________________________________ 3-2 President of the Senate 3-3 I hereby certify that the above 3-4 Resolution was adopted by the Senate 3-5 on January 25, 1999. 3-6 ______________________________________ 3-7 Secretary of the Senate 3-8 ______________________________________ 3-9 Member, Texas Senate