By Sadler                                            H.C.R. No. 103
         77R4425 MJS-D                           
                             HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
 1-1           WHEREAS, On February 6 and 7, 2001, many proud residents of
 1-2     Rusk County will gather in Austin to celebrate Rusk County Days at
 1-3     the State Capitol; and
 1-4           WHEREAS, Created on January 16, 1843, and named for Texas
 1-5     patriot Thomas J. Rusk, the county comprises approximately 938
 1-6     square miles and is situated between the Sabine and Angelina
 1-7     Rivers; and
 1-8           WHEREAS, Originally an agricultural trade center, Rusk County
 1-9     underwent a dramatic change with the discovery of oil in 1930;
1-10     throughout the years, the area has continued to flourish and now
1-11     has a robust and diverse economy that revolves around oil, lumber,
1-12     agribusiness, government/services, and tourism; and
1-13           WHEREAS, Henderson serves as the county seat and holds the
1-14     prestigious distinction of having its downtown area be designated a
1-15     National Register Historic District in 1996; in addition, vibrant
1-16     towns in this beautiful county include Joinerville, Laird Hill,
1-17     Laneville, Minden, Mount Enterprise, New London, Overton, Reklaw,
1-18     Seiman City, Tatum, and part of Kilgore; and
1-19           WHEREAS, With its picturesque landscape, innate charm, and
1-20     colorful history, Rusk County is a popular destination for visitors
1-21     and features many noteworthy attractions, such as the Gaston
1-22     Museum, New London Museum & Tea Room, Howard-Dickinson House
1-23     Museum, and Harmony Hill Ghost Town; furthermore, the annual
1-24     Heritage Syrup Festival in November has become one of the county's
 2-1     most celebrated traditions; and
 2-2           WHEREAS, Located 120 miles southeast of Dallas and 75 miles
 2-3     west of Shreveport, Louisiana, Rusk County provides its citizenry
 2-4     with a splendid combination of small-town virtues and access to
 2-5     big-city life; and
 2-6           WHEREAS, Today, the county has a population of more than
 2-7     45,000 people and remains one of the Lone Star State's great
 2-8     assets; Rusk County is truly a wonderful place in which to live,
 2-9     work, and raise a family, and it is most appropriate to honor this
2-10     fine county at this time; now, therefore, be it
2-11           RESOLVED, That the 77th Legislature of the State of Texas
2-12     hereby recognize February 6 and 7, 2001, as Rusk County Days at the
2-13     State Capitol and welcome its citizens to the capital city; and, be
2-14     it further
2-15           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
2-16     prepared for the Rusk County delegation as an expression of high
2-17     regard by the Texas House of Representatives and Senate.