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