R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The Texas House of Representatives is proud to join 1-2 the citizens of Aransas County in the joyous celebration of Aransas 1-3 County Day at the State Capitol on February 21, 2001; and 1-4 WHEREAS, Located on the southern Coastal Plains, the county 1-5 was created from Refugio County in 1871 and was named for Rio 1-6 Nuestra Senora de Aranzazu, which had taken its name from a famed 1-7 Spanish palace; and 1-8 WHEREAS, Its prime location has helped Aransas County to 1-9 flourish, and it continues to contribute greatly to the state's 1-10 fiscal prosperity; the county enjoys a strong and diversified 1-11 economic base, with agribusiness, tourism, oil and gas production, 1-12 and fish packing as its major industries; and 1-13 WHEREAS, Residents of Aransas County are justifiably proud of 1-14 the region's rich heritage; the Karankawa Indians once made their 1-15 home in this verdant setting, and Spanish explorer Diego Ortiz 1-16 Parrilla traveled across the area in 1766 on an expedition along 1-17 the Gulf Coast; since that time, countless others have been drawn 1-18 to the region's abundant supply of natural and cultural resources; 1-19 and 1-20 WHEREAS, Aransas County is also home to the Fulton Mansion 1-21 State Historic Structure, a three-story, Second Empire house built 1-22 by rancher and businessman George W. Fulton, Sr.; the unusual 1-23 house, which features innovative heating, ventilating, and 1-24 food-preservation systems, was added to the National Register of 2-1 Historic Places in 1975 and is maintained as a museum by the Texas 2-2 Parks and Wildlife Department; and 2-3 WHEREAS, Outdoor sports enthusiasts have come to partake in 2-4 the wide variety of activities offered at Goose Island State Park, 2-5 Copano Bay State Fishing Pier, and Rockport Beach, and many 2-6 bird-watchers and nature lovers have made their stay in the area 2-7 complete with a visit to the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, the 2-8 principal wintering ground of the endangered whooping crane; and 2-9 WHEREAS, Individuals of all ages enjoy the many celebrations 2-10 hosted in the community throughout the year, including Oyster Fest, 2-11 Fiesta en la Playa, the Hummer/Bird Celebration, Seafair, the 2-12 Fourth of July Fireworks and Art Festival, and the Children's 2-13 Christmas Tree; and 2-14 WHEREAS, Rich in culture and tradition, Aransas County is a 2-15 prosperous, forward-looking region and a leading participant in the 2-16 state's dynamic growth, and it gives the members of this chamber 2-17 great pleasure to join with our fellow citizens in saluting this 2-18 fine Texas county; now, therefore, be it 2-19 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas 2-20 Legislature hereby recognize February 21, 2001, as Aransas County 2-21 Day at the State Capitol and extend warmest best wishes to all its 2-22 citizens on this noteworthy occasion. Seaman _______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 142 was adopted by the House on February 21, 2001, by a non-record vote. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House