1-1                                     1
 1-2                         SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 1192
 1-3           WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased
 1-4     to congratulate the citizens of Goliad on the 250th anniversary
 1-5     of their historic city; celebratory events which mark this
 1-6     grand occasion, as well as future plans for Goliad's historic
 1-7     preservation, evidence the profound pride that citizens of Goliad
 1-8     have for their home; and
 1-9           WHEREAS, In 1749, Spanish missionaries established Presidio
1-10     La Bahia and Mission Espiritu Santo at present-day Goliad; these
1-11     distinguished structures are one of three original Spanish
1-12     settlements in Texas and represent the only remaining, fully
1-13     restored Spanish fort/mission complex left in the United States;
1-14     and
1-15           WHEREAS, The 18th century brought more Spanish settlers
1-16     to Presidio La Bahia and its accompanying mission; soon, the
1-17     region's inhabitants turned to cattle ranching for their
1-18     livelihood, and, in doing so, were first to give rise to an
1-19     enduring symbol of Texas, the cattle ranch; at this time, the
1-20     town also served as an important colonial military post and a
1-21     port of entry for the Texas coast; and
 2-1           WHEREAS, As Goliad grew, its population became more diverse;
 2-2     original Mexican settlers mixed with Anglos, African-Americans,
 2-3     and Indians to produce the distinct, dynamic Tejano culture; and
 2-4           WHEREAS, Goliad achieved fame in the 19th century as
 2-5     the birthplace of Ignacio Zaragoza, intrepid leader of the
 2-6     Cinco de Mayo battle, and as the site of the capture and
 2-7     execution of Texas Colonel James Fannin and his troops during
 2-8     the Texas Revolution, an event which spurred the revolutionaries
 2-9     onward in their fight for independence; and
2-10           WHEREAS, In the 20th century Goliad has followed the path
2-11     of Texas' economic success; its original economy, which was
2-12     based on agriculture and ranching, has been strengthened by
2-13     the oil industry; and
2-14           WHEREAS, To celebrate their 250-year milestone, numerous
2-15     festivities including an art exhibit entitled "Goliad:  A
2-16     Cultural Convergence," a salsa concert featuring Norma Zenteno
2-17     and her band, and several events which celebrate Goliad's
2-18     ranching heritage have been scheduled; and
2-19           WHEREAS, Goliad has played a pivotal role in the history
2-20     of Texas, but this distinction reaches beyond the renown it
2-21     earned during the Texas Revolution; Goliad's story spans the
2-22     breadth of Texas' history, bespeaking the state's colonial
2-23     past, its unique Tejano culture, its tradition of ranching,
2-24     and its 20th century economic success; such a rich historical
 3-1     resource merits the attention of all Texans; and
 3-2           WHEREAS, To showcase their city's distinguished history,
 3-3     citizens are implementing the Goliad Interpretive Master Plan,
 3-4     which calls for the establishment of a Tejano History Center at
 3-5     La Bahia and for the construction of a Ranching Heritage Center
 3-6     at Goliad State Historical Park; and
 3-7           WHEREAS, The efforts of Goliad citizens to honor Texas'
 3-8     rich and diverse past through its Interpretative Master Plan
 3-9     are commendable; Goliad is a venerable city whose 250 years
3-10     have seen some of the Lone Star State's most important historical
3-11     events; it is only fitting that this most Texan of cities receive
3-12     special recognition; now, therefore, be it
3-13           RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
3-14     76th Legislature, hereby congratulate the City of Goliad on its
3-15     250 years and extend to it best wishes on all its plans for
3-16     historical preservation and education; and, be it further
3-17           RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
3-18     the citizens of Goliad to mark this grand occasion as an expression
3-19     of high regard from the Texas Senate.
3-20                                                              Armbrister
3-21                                  ______________________________________
3-22                                          President of the Senate
3-23                                       I hereby certify that the above
3-24                                  Resolution was adopted by the Senate
3-25                                  on May 30, 1999.
3-26                                  ______________________________________
3-27                                          Secretary of the Senate
 4-1                                  ______________________________________
 4-2                                           Member, Texas Senate