1-1                                     1
 1-2                          SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 131
 1-3           WHEREAS, On February 23, 1999, many fine citizens of
 1-4     Fayette County will be in Austin to celebrate the significant
 1-5     contributions made to the State of Texas by one of its grandest
 1-6     counties; and
 1-7           WHEREAS, Fayette County is the heart of South Central Texas
 1-8     and has been blessed with some of the state's most picturesque
 1-9     landscapes:  gently rolling hills, steep bluffs, rich farmland,
1-10     and dense forest threaded by the Colorado River; and
1-11           WHEREAS, Tonkawa and Comanche Indians in pursuit of great
1-12     herds of buffalo were among the early residents of the area,
1-13     though the first historical record was not made until 1527; over
1-14     the centuries, many people representing many nations have left
1-15     their mark on Fayette County in search of trade, land, and freedom,
1-16     and today the county is one of the most ethnically diverse in the
1-17     state; and
1-18           WHEREAS, Organized on December 14, 1837, Fayette County
1-19     was named for the Marquis de LaFayette, a Revolutionary War hero,
1-20     and a site in Fayette County was initially chosen for the Republic
1-21     of Texas capitol before being vetoed by President Sam Houston; and
1-22           WHEREAS, Just south of La Grange, overlooking the
1-23     Colorado River, is Monument Hill State Historical Park,
1-24     which offers what many believe to be the best panoramic view
 2-1     in South Texas; in addition to its spectacular vistas, the
 2-2     park is an important site to students of Texas history, for it
 2-3     is the final resting place for those Texas patriots felled in
 2-4     the Battle of Salado Creek and the ill-fated Mier Expedition;
 2-5     and
 2-6           WHEREAS, Whenever this nation has called, the citizens
 2-7     of Fayette County have answered, from the Battles of Gonzales
 2-8     and San Jacinto to Vietnam and Desert Storm, for the fires of
 2-9     patriotism still burn here; faith, too, is strong in Fayette County
2-10     and the area is home to a number of historic churches that remain
2-11     active today; and
2-12           WHEREAS, Fayette County has long been recognized as a
2-13     leader in state agricultural production, with farms and
2-14     ranches playing a vital role in the county's economy; but
2-15     healthy business and industry sectors contribute greatly, as
2-16     well, and Fayette County goods and products are shipped around
2-17     the world; and 
2-18           WHEREAS, The dynamic economy supports an outstanding
2-19     education system, which graduates large numbers of well-educated
2-20     and highly skilled workers; health care, too, is a priority in
2-21     Fayette County, strengthened by a regional hospital with an
2-22     incomparable medical support team; and
2-23           WHEREAS, Residents and visitors alike of all ages can
2-24     delight in the many festivals and celebrations hosted by
2-25     Fayette County communities year-round, such as Spring Fling
2-26     in La Grange; outdoor enthusiasts also find much to do in
 3-1     Fayette County, with fishing and boating on Lake Fayette and
 3-2     a number of first-rate golf courses; and
 3-3           WHEREAS, The citizens of Fayette County take justifiable
 3-4     pride in their county's history and look to the future with great
 3-5     enthusiasm, for this unique county and its citizens have played a
 3-6     significant role in shaping Texas, and it is indeed appropriate to
 3-7     recognize Fayette County at this time; now, therefore, be it
 3-8           RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
 3-9     76th Legislature, hereby welcome the distinguished
3-10     delegation of Fayette County residents visiting on this day
3-11     and declare February 23, 1999, Fayette County Day at the
3-12     Capitol and extend to all the county's residents heartfelt
3-13     best wishes for a memorable and joyous celebration; and, be
3-14     it further
3-15           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution
3-16     be prepared for prominent display in Fayette County as a
3-17     commemoration of this grand occasion and as an expression
3-18     of high regard by the Texas Senate. 
3-19                                                              Armbrister
3-20                                  ______________________________________
3-21                                          President of the Senate
3-22                                       I hereby certify that the above
3-23                                  Resolution was adopted by the Senate
3-24                                  on February 3, 1999.
3-25                                  ______________________________________
3-26                                          Secretary of the Senate
3-27                                  ______________________________________
3-28                                           Member, Texas Senate