1-1 1 1-2 SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 73 1-3 WHEREAS, The Texas Senate is proud to join the citizens 1-4 of Aransas County in the joyous celebration of Aransas County Day 1-5 at the State Capitol on February 17, 1999; and 1-6 WHEREAS, Located on the southern Coastal Plains, the 1-7 county was created from Refugio County in 1871 and was named for 1-8 Rio Nuestra Senora de Aranzazu, which had taken its name from a 1-9 famed Spanish palace; and 1-10 WHEREAS, Its prime location has helped Aransas County 1-11 to flourish, and it continues to contribute greatly to the state's 1-12 fiscal prosperity; the county enjoys a strong and diversified 1-13 economic base, with agribusiness, tourism, oil and gas production, 1-14 and fish packing as its major industries; and 1-15 WHEREAS, Residents of Aransas County are justifiably 1-16 proud of the region's rich heritage; the Karankawa Indians once 1-17 made their home in this verdant setting, and Spanish explorer 1-18 Diego Ortiz Parrilla traveled across the area in 1766 on an 1-19 expedition along the Gulf Coast; since that time, countless others 1-20 have been drawn to the region's abundant supply of natural and 1-21 cultural resources; and 1-22 WHEREAS, Aransas County is also home to the Fulton 1-23 Mansion State Historic Structure, a three-story, Second Empire 1-24 house built by rancher and businessman George W. Fulton, Sr.; the 2-1 unusual house, which features innovative heating, ventilation, and 2-2 food-preservation systems, was added to the National Register of 2-3 Historic Places in 1975 and is maintained as a museum by the 2-4 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department; and 2-5 WHEREAS, Outdoor sports enthusiasts have come to partake 2-6 in the wide variety of activities offered at Goose Island State 2-7 Park, Copano Bay State Fishing Pier, and Rockport Beach, and many 2-8 bird-watchers and nature lovers have made their stay in the area 2-9 complete with a visit to the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, the 2-10 principal wintering ground of the endangered whooping crane; and 2-11 WHEREAS, Individuals of all ages enjoy the many 2-12 celebrations hosted in the community throughout the year, 2-13 including Oyster Fest, Fiesta en la Playa, the Hummer/Bird 2-14 Celebration, Seafair, the Fourth of July Fireworks and Art 2-15 Festival, and the Children's Christmas Tree; and 2-16 WHEREAS, Rich in culture and tradition, Aransas County is 2-17 a prosperous, forward-looking region and a leading participant in 2-18 the state's dynamic growth, and it gives the members of this chamber 2-19 great pleasure to join our fellow citizens in saluting this fine 2-20 Texas county; now, therefore, be it 2-21 RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 2-22 76th Legislature, hereby recognize February 17, 1999, as 2-23 Aransas County Day at the State Capitol and extend warmest 2-24 best wishes to all its citizens on this noteworthy occasion. 2-25 Armbrister 2-26 ______________________________________ 2-27 President of the Senate 3-1 I hereby certify that the above 3-2 Resolution was adopted by the Senate 3-3 on January 25, 1999. 3-4 ______________________________________ 3-5 Secretary of the Senate 3-6 ______________________________________ 3-7 Member, Texas Senate