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