By Uher H.R. No. 101
77R3974 MW-F
R E S O L U T I O N
1-1 WHEREAS, Many proud residents of Matagorda County will be in
1-2 Austin on February 27, 2001, to celebrate Matagorda County Day at
1-3 the State Capitol; and
1-4 WHEREAS, Matagorda County's colorful history dates back to
1-5 the early days of Texas, when the rich, fertile land between the
1-6 Colorado and Brazos rivers was included in Moses Austin's original
1-7 land grant in 1820; after his death, Moses' son Stephen F. Austin
1-8 continued his father's plans of establishing a settlement in this
1-9 beautiful region along the Gulf Coast; and
1-10 WHEREAS, Blessed with fertile soil, ample rainfall, and a
1-11 mild climate, Matagorda County attracted hundreds of settlers eager
1-12 to tame this new frontier; the wide open prairies offered plenty of
1-13 land for farming and ranching, while the hardwood forests bordering
1-14 the region's waterways provided pioneer families with an abundant
1-15 supply of wood for building and for fuel; and
1-16 WHEREAS, Cotton and sugar quickly became the dominant crops,
1-17 but in later years the county expanded its agricultural economy to
1-18 include rice, corn, soybeans, milo, and other grains; and
1-19 WHEREAS, Settlers flocked to this thriving new community, and
1-20 Stephen F. Austin's vision of a prosperous and successful Texas
1-21 settlement became a reality; beginning in 1898, the railroad system
1-22 expanded throughout the region, bringing supplies and more settlers
1-23 to the Gulf Coast and spurring a dynamic period of growth and
1-24 development as enterprising individuals founded the cities of
2-1 Palacios, Blessing, Markham, Van Vleck, and Wadsworth along the new
2-2 rail lines; and
2-3 WHEREAS, Since that time, a diverse economy encompassing
2-4 petrochemicals, plastics, and oil and gas, as well as agriculture,
2-5 has sustained the growth of this outstanding county, which
2-6 currently boasts a population of more than 38,000 people; despite
2-7 this economic growth, Matagorda County has retained its charm, and
2-8 many tourists flock to this area each year to enjoy its wide
2-9 variety of recreational activities; and
2-10 WHEREAS, This picturesque seaside community offers numerous
2-11 opportunities for boating, sailing, fishing, and waterskiing, while
2-12 cities such as Palacios and the county seat of Bay City provide a
2-13 variety of other entertainment options, including a golf course,
2-14 museums, a convention center, a sports complex, and numerous points
2-15 of historical interest; and
2-16 WHEREAS, Throughout the year, visitors and residents alike
2-17 are treated to a vast array of festivals and celebrations, thanks
2-18 to the dedicated efforts of the county's many fine civic
2-19 organizations; the Matagorda County Rodeo, the Christmas Parade of
2-20 Lights, the Shrimporee and Blessing of the Fleet, Bayfest, the Rice
2-21 Festival, and Market Days have become renowned throughout the Lone
2-22 Star State for the fun and fellowship they provide, and the people
2-23 of Matagorda County deserve much praise for making each of these
2-24 events memorable and special; and
2-25 WHEREAS, The residents of Matagorda County can take
2-26 justifiable pride in their community's heritage and should look
2-27 forward to the future with great anticipation; this unique county
3-1 and its citizens have played a significant role in Texas'
3-2 development, and their many contributions to the Lone Star State
3-3 are truly deserving of a special legislative salute; now,
3-4 therefore, be it
3-5 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas
3-6 Legislature hereby recognize February 27, 2001, as Matagorda County
3-7 Day at the Capitol and join the citizens of Matagorda County in
3-8 paying tribute to one of Texas' finest counties.